Semi-Truck Driver on Trial for Fatal Hit-and-Run in Kansas

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Shane Jungemann, a 48-year-old semi-truck driver from Jefferson City, South Dakota, is on trial this week in Riley County District Court for leaving the scene of a fatal accident. Jungemann is accused of backing his semi-truck and empty cattle trailer into 32-year-old Samuel Ratliff, killing him, at an intersection in Manhattan, Kansas in May.

Why it matters

Hit-and-run incidents involving commercial vehicles can raise complex legal issues, especially when the defense claims the victim intended to die by suicide. This case highlights the challenges in determining intent and liability in such tragic situations.

The details

According to court records, Jungemann was driving the semi-truck and trailer when he backed into Ratliff at the intersection of South Fifth Street and Pottawatomie Avenue. Ratliff was hit and pulled under the trailer, then dislodged a short distance away on South Fourth Street after Jungemann turned the corner. The defense is arguing that Jungemann's actions were not intentional and that Ratliff had intended to die by suicide.

• The incident occurred in May of this year.
• The trial began this week in Riley County District Court.

What’s next

The judge will continue to oversee the trial, with a verdict expected in the coming days.