Wichita Woman Charged With Murder After Man Dies of Electrical Burns During Burglary
WICHITA, KANSAS — A Kansas woman has been charged with first-degree murder after a man was fatally electrocuted while allegedly committing a burglary in southeast Wichita earlier this summer.
According to Sedgwick County court records, Molly Hubbard was charged Tuesday with first-degree murder in the commission of a felony and burglary in connection with the death of Ryan Crawford, 39.
Man Found With Severe Electrical Burns
At around 5:15 a.m. on July 17, first responders were dispatched to Harry and Governeour for a report of a man suffering severe burns.
When officers arrived, Sedgwick County EMS was already on scene treating Crawford, who had extensive burns across his upper body.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that Crawford was burned by electricity while committing burglary in a vacant building in the 7200 block of East Harry,” said Wichita Police Department spokesperson Brad Wright in a July release.
Crawford was rushed to a local hospital and admitted to the burn unit, where he succumbed to his injuries on July 21.
Woman Charged With Felony Murder
While Crawford’s death was initially investigated as an accidental electrocution, further police inquiry led to Hubbard’s arrest. Authorities allege that she was involved in the burglary and that her participation in the felony directly contributed to the circumstances leading to Crawford’s death.
Under Kansas law, individuals can be charged with felony murder if someone dies during the commission of a felony — even if the death was unintentional.
Investigation Details
Investigators said Crawford had entered a vacant commercial property that still had live electrical wiring. Evidence suggests that he may have come into contact with a high-voltage power source during the break-in.
Police have not released additional details about Hubbard’s specific role in the crime but confirmed that she remains in Sedgwick County Jail pending court proceedings.
Ongoing Legal Process
Court documents show Hubbard’s initial appearance took place Tuesday, and she is expected to return to court later this month.
Authorities have not announced whether additional suspects are being sought in connection with the case.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact Wichita Police or Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111.
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