WICHITA, Kan. — The Wichita community is grieving after the tragic death of 14-year-old Jackson Nzabonimpa, a freshman at Southeast High School, who was killed in a devastating crash on August 13, 2025. Police announced Friday that Gauge Brasher, 19, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection to the fatal incident.
Wichita Police confirmed Brasher was taken into custody around 4 p.m. Friday in the 3100 block of E. Range Road. Just hours earlier, the case had been formally presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, leading to the murder charge. Brasher will be booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.
The fatal crash occurred shortly after 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 13, near Harry and Rock Road. According to investigators, a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper came upon the aftermath of a violent collision and saw two men running from a dark-colored BMW. Following a brief pursuit on foot, both suspects were apprehended.
Police say the BMW, driven by Brasher, had been traveling at a dangerously high speed when it lost control, slamming into a power pole and a utility box. The force of the impact caused the pole and box to collapse onto Jackson Nzabonimpa, who had been standing on the sidewalk. The young teen was fatally struck and pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities believe speed and impairment were major factors in the crash. Brasher is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or narcotics at the time. His passenger, a 24-year-old man, was detained but later released without charges.
The victim’s death has left a hole in the Wichita community, especially among students and staff at Southeast High School, where Jackson had just completed his very first day as a high school student. Wichita Public Schools released a statement expressing their heartbreak, saying Jackson’s bright future was tragically cut short on what should have been a milestone day in his young life.
Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan addressed the incident with strong words of compassion and determination.
“A 14-year-old should be safe standing on a sidewalk,” Chief Sullivan said. “We grieve with this family and everyone hurting. We will stand with them and do everything we can to seek justice. I’m glad we were able to take the suspect back into custody. Throughout this process, we met with Jackson’s family to explain what occurred and our efforts to re-apprehend the suspect.”
Chief Sullivan also reaffirmed the department’s commitment to accountability and transparency. He noted that he has directed his executive staff to review current policies and procedures, ensuring that officers have the proper guidance in handling such critical incidents.
The case remains under active investigation, and additional charges may be possible as toxicology and crash reconstruction reports are finalized.
Meanwhile, the community is rallying around Jackson’s grieving family. Vigils and memorials are expected in the coming days, with many neighbors, classmates, and church members expressing their sorrow over the senseless loss of a boy described as full of life, kindness, and potential.
Jackson’s death stands as a painful reminder of the dangers of reckless and impaired driving — and the fragility of life. For his family, friends, and community, the fight for justice has only begun.
Would you like me to also expand this into a memorial-style tribute that shares more about who Jackson was as a person — beyond just the news report — to honor his life?
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