Prosecutor's office upgrades manslaughter charges after Jefferson City accident

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) –

Cole County prosecutors have upgraded manslaughter charges against a man accused of hitting someone with his car in Jefferson City.

Assistant District Attorney Edward Guinn filed an amended complaint against Diego Popp of Jefferson City on Friday. Popp is now charged with first-degree manslaughter, an even higher charge than the second-degree manslaughter he was charged with in July.

Popp is accused of hitting 50-year-old John Brummit on Highway 50 West around 11 p.m. on July 14. Police said Brummit was riding his bike on the shoulder of the highway when Popp hit him and drove off. Popp allegedly told officers the next day he didn't stop because he was afraid of getting in trouble because he was “drunk” at the time of the crash. Officers found Brummit around 6:30 a.m. the day after the crash.

The amended indictment now includes an allegation that Popp “recklessly” caused Brummit's death because he was impaired at the time of the accident. First-degree manslaughter is a Class C felony, which carries a sentence of 3 to 10 years. Second-degree manslaughter is a Class E felony, which carries a maximum sentence of 4 years in prison.

Popp is also accused of leaving the scene of an accident and driving carelessly and recklessly. A new court date for Popp has not yet been scheduled.