Wrong-Way DUI Defendant Indicted For Murder
by
Aaron M. Black • February 16, 2024
The Pinal County Grand Jury indicted a wrong-way driver for second degree murder in the death of a woman motorist and an aggravated assault for seriously injuring her 7-year-old daughter in the deadly crash.
Arizona’s Family TV 3 reported the alleged wrong-way driver, Adam Parker, 37, of Peoria had a blood-alcohol concentration level of 0.263, three times of legal limit of 0.08, and officers found open containers of alcohol on the front seat of the pickup truck he was driving. Parker had two previous DUI convictions the station reported.
Photo Credit: Arizona's Family TV 3The crash occurred on U.S. 60 about 9:30 p.m., Saturday, January 20, after several motorists called 911 to report a wrong-way driver all over the road, who had crossed the highway median and drove the wrong-way on both sides of U.S. 60 in Apache Junction.
He told police he forgot where he was going, TV3 reported.
The station reported that Parker’s Ford F-150 crashed into the oncoming Toyota SUV driven by Elizabeth McAloon, 28, who was on the way home with her daughter after preparing for a church service the next morning.
Second degree murder is charged if an “extreme indifference to human life” existed. It is a Class 1 felony, the most serious of the felony range.
Penalties include a term in state prison of 10 to 25 years and fines totaling $150,000. There is also no early release from prison – you must serve every day.
The aggravated assault charge is for harming the child, who suffered a broken arm and neck injuries, and is a Class 2 felony under Arizona Revised Statute §13-1204 because the child is under fifteen. This offense will be classified as dangerous and carries a 7 to 21 year prison sentence.
Parker also sustained injuries in the crash. He was released from the hospital and then arrested.
Roll of a grand jury
A grand jury is often used in high profile cases.In Arizona the grand jury is comprised of between 9 and 16 randomly chosen citizens, who do not need a background in law. They serve for a specific term. Its proceedings are confidential and their vote is taken after the prosecution team leaves the room.
The prosecution takes its evidence to the grand jury to determine if there is sufficient probable cause to support the charge the state wants. The prosecution presents its evidence and answers any questions.
Vehicular manslaughter
Arizona also has a vehicular manslaughter law for using a dangerous weapon, which is the vehicle, with the driver speeding, driving aggressively, racing, or driving impaired by alcohol or drugs, even prescription and over-the-counter medications.In addition, an involuntary manslaughter charge may be applied in impaired driving cases because the driver did not intend to kill anyone.
Aaron M. Black Law for DUI defense
Should you or someone you care for be charged or are under investigation for a DUI, it is imperative that you have a highly qualified DUI defense attorney such as myself to defend you at the earliest possible time.In my decade’s long career as an aggressive DUI defense attorney, I know that good people can find themselves in legal trouble for a single mistake in judgment and that is why I ensure all my clients have the best defense possible.
Aaron M. Black Law provides personalized legal services. You will always be talking directly to me at every stage of your DUI case.
Begin your DUI defense immediately by calling 480-729-1683 at any time on any day and I will promptly respond unless I am in court or at trial. Or use the online contact form on my website.
I defend all levels of DUI cases throughout Arizona, including Maricopa, Pinal, Yavapai, and Coconino County Superior Courts.
About the Author
Aaron Black is the founder and sole attorney of the Law Office of Aaron Black. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, his DUI and criminal defense law firm provides legal services to people who have received felony or misdemeanor charges from the state.
Along with DUI defense, Aaron handles a range of other criminal defense matters, including aggravated assault, burglary, domestic violence, drug possession, drug trafficking, fraud defense, insurance fraud, sex crimes, and white-collar crime cases.
After graduating college in 2003 from the University of Arizona, Aaron decided to pursue a law degree. He followed a family long tradition and went to the University of South Dakota School of Law where he pursued his goal of becoming a criminal defense lawyer.
After passing the Arizona and South Dakota bar exams, Aaron joined the Maricopa County Office of the Public Defender where he defended hundreds of people charged with serious criminal offenses. His work as a public defender helped him sharpen his litigation skills and gave him a unique insight into the Arizona criminal justice system.
Over the course of his 15-year legal career, Aaron has spent a considerable amount of time in both Arizona justice, municipal, state and federal courts. He has argued over 50 jury trials, tried over 100 bench trials and has become one of the highest-rated criminal and DUI defense attorneys in Phoenix and the surrounding areas. He has received a 10/10 rating from the legal directory Avvo because of his legal background and successful case record. Since 2014, he has received the Super Lawyer rating for his work as a Phoenix DUI Attorney and criminal defense attorney.
You can review Aaron’s Attorney Bio page for more information about his background, education and experience as a Phoenix DUI and criminal defense attorney.
