A 21-year-old man, Ahmad Juma, has been sentenced to over two and a half years in prison for his role in a tragic street racing crash that resulted in the deaths of two Wichita State University (WSU) students.
The crash, which took place in the early hours of November 15, 2023, at Pawnee and Woodlawn, has left a significant mark on the local community, raising concerns about the dangers of street racing and reckless driving.
This article delves into the details of the crash, the sentencing, and the impact of the incident.
The Fatal Crash: Key Details
The deadly crash occurred around 2:00 a.m. on November 15, 2023. Ahmad Juma and another driver were street racing in their respective vehicles when both cars went off the road, though they did not collide.
The crash involved a Lexus GS 350, which struck a utility pole and overturned. The force of the crash ejected both Juma and his two passengers from the vehicle.
Key Details of the Incident:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Crash | November 15, 2023 |
| Time of Crash | Around 2:00 a.m. |
| Location | Pawnee and Woodlawn, Wichita, Kansas |
| Crash Cause | Street racing leading to loss of control |
| Fatalities | Carol Chakra (deceased at the scene) and Lian Awadi (died at the hospital) |
| Survivors | Ahmad Juma (driver, injured) |
| Crash Outcome | Lexus GS 350 hit a utility pole, overturned, ejected occupants |
| Law Enforcement Involvement | Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office |
The crash tragically resulted in the deaths of Carol Chakra, who was pronounced dead at the scene, and Lian Awadi, who succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.
Both women were WSU students, and Chakra had recently resettled in the United States after fleeing conflict in Syria.
Sentencing and Legal Consequences
On February 7, 2025, Ahmad Juma pled guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter for his role in the crash.
The sentencing judge handed down a 31-month prison term for Juma, along with 24 months of post-release supervision. This sentence reflects the serious consequences of street racing and the loss of two young lives.
Juma’s defense attorney filed a motion requesting a lesser sentence, arguing that there was no criminal intent behind Juma’s actions.
The attorney claimed that Juma’s poor decision, though tragic, was not premeditated and that he would have to live with the knowledge of causing the deaths of his friends for the rest of his life.
However, the court did not accept the request for a lesser sentence. In addition to the prison sentence, Juma remains on immigration hold, and it is likely that he will not be allowed to remain in the United States following the proceedings.
Sentence Summary:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Ahmad Juma |
| Charges | Two counts of involuntary manslaughter |
| Sentence | 31-month prison term |
| Post-release Supervision | 24 months |
| Immigration Status | Immigration hold, likely to be deported |
The Impact on the Community
The deaths of Carol Chakra and Lian Awadi have deeply affected the Wichita State University community, highlighting the devastating consequences of reckless driving. Street racing not only endangers the lives of the participants but also innocent bystanders.
For many, this tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the need for increased awareness about the dangers of street racing.
Ahmad Juma’s sentencing marks the legal consequence of a tragic event that claimed the lives of two young students from Wichita State University.
While the 31-month prison sentence offers some justice to the families of the victims, it is unlikely to fully heal the pain caused by the loss of their loved ones.
This case reinforces the need for safe driving practices and the dangers of street racing, which continues to be a major issue on the roads.