Tonganoxie father sentenced for son's death in drunk driving crash

A Tonganoxie man has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for the death of his son in a drunk driving crash. Shane Michael Degraeve, 35, was convicted of second-degree murder, three counts of aggravated child endangerment and driving under the influence. The accident occurred on September 4, 2022. A 9-year-old passenger in the front seat, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the vehicle and later died. The two passengers in the back seat, also children, were transported to an area hospital for treatment. Degraeve admitted to drinking one beer and his blood alcohol level was recorded at 0.083, above the Kansas legal limit of 0.08. The truck was also equipped with two seat belt “silencers,” which prevent occupants from buckling up in the vehicle. “Our hearts go out to the families involved in this incident,” Leavenworth County Prosecutor Todd Thompson said. “DeGraeve's responsibilities as a father include obeying traffic laws, avoiding driving under the influence, and keeping his children safe. Seat belt silencers, sometimes used in vehicles, may present more risks rather than benefits, as in this case, where we contributed to a child who does not wear his seat belt and who tragically loses his life.