A Pinal County man, Jason Sanchez, age 34, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of Second Degree Murder and Aggravated Assault. This was as a result of a drunk driving collision that caused the death of a four-year-old girl and significant injuries her six-year-old brother.
According to the Pinal County Attorney’s Office, the collision occurred on June 5, 2024, at approximately 11:30 a.m. when an intoxicated Sanchez, driving approximately 65 mph in a 40 mph zone, rear-ended the victim’s mini-van which was stopped at the intersection of Power Road and Hunt Highway. Queen Creek Fire and other law enforcement on scene attempted life saving measures for the children in the vehicle.
The investigation by the Queen Creek Police Department and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Unit revealed that Jason Sanchez had been drinking at a casino prior to driving. Sanchez admitted to drinking 4 beers, and a search warrant for his blood revealed a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit. Further analysis revealed that Sanchez never attempted to break to avoid the collision, hitting the stopped van at approximately 65 miles per hour.
“These horrific cases with such loss and devastation to completely innocent victims occur all too often and are one hundred percent avoidable – if you drink, don’t drive. Our hearts go out to the victim’s family,” said Deputy County Attorney Stephen Bridger.
“This conviction delivers a measure of justice for a senseless and heartbreaking tragedy,” said County Attorney Brad Miller. “A beautiful four-year-old girl was taken from this world because of one person’s selfish and reckless decision to drive under the influence. Our hearts remain with the family, whose grief is unimaginable. This office will always stand firm in holding impaired drivers accountable and protecting the innocent lives on our roads.” County Attorney Miller also wants to thank the Queen Creek Police Department and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office for their work on this difficult case.
Upon his release from prison, Sanchez will serve a term of probation.
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