Man charged with murder in Wichita wreck that killed a 72-year-old, records show

A 29-year-old Wichita man has been charged with second-degree murder in a March 8 crash in west Wichita that killed a 72-year-old man, court records show.

Tony Earl Epps Jr. was also charged with driving with a suspended license related to the death of Rockne “Rocke” Gene Lindemann of Wichita, records show.

Court records spell his name Rockney, but his obituary says Rockne.

Epps made a first appearance on Tuesday in the case and was released on an own recognizance bond the same day. The murder charge is unintentional but reckless, according to court records. His next appearance in court is scheduled for June 16.

Officers were called at 7:22 p.m. on March 8 to a two-vehicle wreck near Maple and Osage.

Epps was taken to a hospital with serious injuries.

Life-saving measures were attempted on Lindemann, but he died at the scene.

Lindemann was a U.S. Air Force veteran and a Grand Prix fan who liked building scale model vintage military vehicles, according to his obituary.

“Rocke possessed a remarkable artistic talent, particularly in drawing caricatures and comics, and he had a wonderful and quirky sense of humor,” his obituary says.

He is survived by a spouse, brother and sister and other family.