Karpierz previously pled to these crimes, according to a release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson.

Shortly after 11 p.m. June 19, the defendant was driving east in a Jeep Renegade while following two motorcycles, one driven by Eric Chappell. The motorcycles began to slow down so they could turn left, across the westbound lane, into their driveway. When the motorcycles began to slow down, Karpierz sped up to pass the motorcycles in the westbound lanes despite this area being a no passing zone, the release said. Karpierz was driving approximately 92 in a 50 mph zone when he struck the motorcycle being driven by Chappell. Mr. Karpierz also blew a 0.128 on the breathalyzer, which is over the legal limit to drive. Chappell died on scene due to the injuries from the crash, the release said.

Parties for both Karpierz and Chappell spoke at sentencing. A motion was filed for Karpierz, which requested probation. The state argued against this.