Excessive speed sole factor in fatal crash, driver’s reason for speeding unclear

Investigators believe the driver involved in a Hidden Valley crash that killed 21-year-old passenger Laci Reddington of Maricopa last April was driving in a reckless manner at speeds well above the posted speed limit.

A second passenger in the vehicle told authorities the driver, Baldomero Blair, was traveling almost 100 mph prior to the crash near Barrel Road and Deer Trail. Blair was heading east on Barrel Road, a narrow dirt street with a speed limit of 25 mph.

Investigative documents from the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office were recently released to InMaricopa.com through a public records request. The reports do not give a clear answer why Blair was driving so fast.  

The sheriff’s office is recommending charges of vehicular manslaughter, a felony, and endangerment, a misdemeanor. The case has been submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office because of a conflict of interest. A court date has not been set.

The second female passenger riding in the red 2004 Ford Explorer told authorities Blair was driving 98 mph just before midnight on April 22 when he lost control of the vehicle. She was seated in the front-passenger seat and was able to see the speedometer, according to a sheriff’s office report. Reddington, who was killed when the vehicle struck a steel corral fence, was seated behind Blair.

 Blair was taken to a hospital for minor injuries. The female passenger who survived was not injured.

Authorities believe Blair ran a stop sign at the intersection of Deer Trail, lost control of the vehicle and struck a dirt berm on the side of Barrel Road, which launched the SUV into the air. The vehicle eventually struck the corral fence situated on residential property.  

Investigators calculated the SUV was traveling around 54 mph when it landed after being airborne. A report from a sheriff’s office investigator notes that striking the dirt berm slowed the vehicle, but the investigator was unable to calculate the loss of speed.

Authorities conducted speed tests on Barrel Road using a 2003 Ford Explorer and noted the vehicle became unstable when traveling 60 mph.

Blair, Reddington and the female passenger had left a house party before the crash. All three were friends. Witnesses told investigators Blair had not been drinking or taking drugs at the party. Sheriff’s deputies at the scene reported Blair did not appear impaired.

The female passenger told authorities her and Reddington were not wearing seatbelts. She was unsure if Blair put his on.

The female passenger also told investigators she was “screaming” at Blair to slow down prior to the crash, but he refused and continued to accelerate, according to a report. She later told a sheriff’s deputy: “I was scared for my life.”  

An investigator scheduled an interview with Blair at the sheriff’s office a week following the incident. When Blair arrived, he requested to have his attorney present. Blair was not questioned.

According to sheriff’s reports, Blair ran to get help after the crash took place and told one person, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt anybody.”

It remains unclear why Blair was speeding. The female passenger told investigators that Blair was “f—ing around.”

A Pinal County Attorney’s Office spokesman told InMaricopa.com last spring several staff members knew the Blair family. Due to this conflict of interest, the case has been submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.