Maricopa Woman Sentenced to 26 Years in Deadly DUI Crash

FLORENCE. AZ (March 22nd, 2024) - A Maricopa woman has been sentenced to 26 years in prison for killing a woman and seriously injuring another man in a multi-vehicle collision that involved the defendant speeding 119 mph prior to the crash.

On Friday, March 22nd, Pinal County Superior Court Judge Danielle Harris sentenced Chelsea Edwards, 20, to 26 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections.

A jury found Edwards guilty of 2nd Degree Murder, a Class One Felony; and Aggravated Assault, a Class Three Felony.

In November 2022, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to the area of Fanner Drive and Ralston Road in Maricopa in reference to a multi-vehicle collision. One female, 21, was pronounced deceased after being ejected from a vehicle, while another man sustained severe injuries and was airlifted to Chandler Regional Hospital.

The driver of a Chrysler 300, identified as Edwards, admitted to deputies that she had been consuming alcohol and smoking marijuana prior to the crash, and her BAC was determined to be .13. The investigation showed Edwards was traveling 119 mph just before the crash, where the posted speed limit was 45 mph. Edwards slammed into the back of a Ford F-150, causing the truck to veer into oncoming traffic, where it struck another vehicle.

"This tragic case is yet another example of what can happen when you choose to drive impaired," said County Attorney Kent Volkmer after the guilty verdict. "Our thoughts are with the victim's family and friends and I hope everyone in our communities is ensuring they are safe and sober when behind the wheel.”

Deputy County Attorney Stephen Bridger prosecuted this case.