SEDGWICK COUNTY— On Monday, a Sedgwick County jury returned a guilty verdict in the trial of 44-year-old Valerie Palace involving the case that centered on a 2023 fatal crash at 13th and Greenwich in Wichita, according to a statement from the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office.
Palace was charged in connection with a collision that resulted in the death of 71-year-old Billy Wineinger and injuries to an additional motorist.
Traffic lights were out when Wineinger’s vehicle collided with another. He got out to check the damage and was hit by an SUV driven by Palace, according to Wichita Police.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Aaron Breitenbach and Chief Assistant District Attorney Staci Lane.
"Our office remains committed to seeking justice for victims of drunk driving and their families," the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement following the verdict. "We appreciate the jury’s time and careful consideration of the evidence presented in this difficult case."
Sentencing for Palace has been scheduled for June 18 before Judge Eric Williams