APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. — A Peoria man pleaded guilty to murder in a deadly wrong-way crash that killed a woman and injured her daughter.
According to the Pinal County Attorney's office, Adam Parker, 38, pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder, a Class 1 Felony; and Aggravated Assault, a Class 2 Felony Monday.
On Saturday, January 20, around 9:30 p.m., multiple people began calling 911 to report the driver of a truck driving aggressively, moving in and out of traffic, and then heading the wrong direction, driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of the US 60 near Mountain View Road, prosecutors say.
Shortly after, the truck collided with an SUV heading in the correct direction. Parker, from Peoria, was identified as the driver of the F150. The driver of the SUV, Elizabeth McAloon, 28, died from her injuries.
“While accountability is an important step in this case, our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims’ family, and especially with the young child who has to grow up without her mother. This case demonstrates the devastating consequences that can occur when choosing to drink and drive,” County Attorney Kent Volkmer.
According to the probable cause statement, a blood draw showed Parker's BAC above 0.23.
Parker is scheduled to be sentenced on September 6.
Deaths on Arizona roads
Data from the Arizona Department of Transportation shows that roadway fatalities have been gradually rising in Arizona over the last decade:
2011: 825 deaths
2012: 821 deaths
2013: 844 deaths
2014: 774 deaths
2015: 895 deaths
2016: 952 deaths
2017: 1,000 deaths
2018: 1,010 deaths
2019: 982 deaths
2020: 1,057 deaths
ADOT offers driving tips on its website to help keep people safe on the road.
"There’s always room for improvement when it comes to road safety," the department said on its website.
ADOT's suggestions include:
Don’t speed or drive aggressively
Never drive while under the influence of substances
Avoid distractions while driving
Wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers are doing the same
When an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road, move over
Stay extra aware in work zones
Be prepared for weather conditions that make driving dangerous
"Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511, downloading the AZ 511 app and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT," the department said.
