Lawrence woman sentenced after fentanyl death in 2021

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – Douglas County District Attorney Suzanna Valdez announced that a Lawrence woman has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter and conspiracy to illegally distribute a controlled substance.

According to court documents, Chloe L. Colby, 23, of Lawrence called 911 on April 17, 2021, to report that her boyfriend, Kendall R. Stiffler, was unresponsive. Stiffler later died at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. An autopsy determined he died as a result of fentanyl and methamphetamine exposure.

“We continue to work tirelessly to hold those who distribute fentanyl accountable to protect our loved ones from this devastating health crisis,” said District Attorney Valdez.

Colby faces between 31 and 136 months in prison for manslaughter. He faces between 8 and 45 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Colby must also register as a violent offender for 15 years.

The State of Kansas was represented by Assistant District Attorney David Greenwald. The case was investigated by the Lawrence Kansas Police Department. Sentencing was scheduled by Judge Sally Pokorny for October 4, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the Douglas County Judicial and Law Enforcement Center.