Florence man sentenced to 22 years for deadly crossover crash while driving high
FLORENCE, AZ (October 11, 2023) - A Florence man has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for killing a woman after driving under the influence of methamphetamine, crossing the center line and crashing head on into the victim’s vehicle.
On October 11th, 2023, Pinal County Superior Court Judge Steven Fuller sentenced Dwayne Endicott, 56, to an aggravated sentence of 22 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections.
A jury found Endicott guilty of Manslaughter, a Class Two Felony; Possession or use of Dangerous Drugs (methamphetamine), a Class Four Felony; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a Class Six Felony; and Endangerment, a Class One Misdemeanor.
On April 27th, 2022, at roughly 10:00am, a multiple vehicle collision occurred along SR-387. The Department of Public Safety responded to the crash and investigators determined a red 2015 Chevy Camaro crossed the center line, side swiped one vehicle and then crashed head on into a 2015 Jeep Compass. Endicott was identified as the driver of the Camaro and transported to the hospital for his injuries.
The driver of the Jeep Compass, identified as Sabrina Echols, 30, was pronounced deceased on scene.
During the investigation, troopers located a crystal substance in Endicott’s vehicle, which later tested positive for methamphetamine. Endicott also stated he had long been using methamphetamine. A blood draw on Endicott confirmed methamphetamine in his system.
“This tragic case shows the avoidable repercussions of getting high and getting behind the wheel,” said County Attorney Kent Volkmer. "You have one life lost, but many others forever altered."
Dashcam video from the vehicle that was side-swiped shows Endicott crossing over the center line and nearly colliding with that vehicle, before hitting Echols’ vehicle, which was behind the driver with the dashcam.
At sentencing, loved ones emotionally remembered Echols for her infectious smile and personality and described how her death has significantly affected their lives.
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