Lee’s Summit man has submitted a plea after being charged in connection with a shooting in Leavenworth that killed one person and injured another almost two years ago. According to the Leavenworth County attorney, 21-year-old Cody Joseph Nichols pleaded “no contest” to involuntary manslaughter, aggravated battery, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is set to be sentenced on May 11.
County Attorney Todd Thompson’s office said that on July 18, 2020, Nichols went to Leavenworth in a stolen Nissan Pathfinder with the intention of trading it for money and drugs. When he arrived, he met Sanquan Brooks and Collin Ireland, where it was reported that Nichols and Brooks brandished guns during the transaction. Witnesses also heard gunshots. Nichols was found to have shot Brooks five times with a semiautomatic handgun. He also shot Ireland in the right arm. Nichols then fled the scene. Brooks ultimately passed away, and Ireland left the scene in the Nissan. Leavenworth police ultimately found him at the hospital where had gone to seek treatment for his gunshot wound.
Due to prior convictions, Nichols is looking at a 24-year sentence due to his perceived criminal history, but that is ultimately determined by the judge.
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