Felony charge dropped against driver in fatal crash

The Pinal County Attorney’s Office dropped a felony charge against a driver involved in a fatal crash on Gunsmoke Road in early June.

Deedrik Manning, 45, faced one felony charge in manslaughter after being connected to the death of a 25-year-old man in a three-vehicle crash on June 4, PCAO said.

The attorney’s office told InMaricopa it planned to drop felony charges because it could not prove intention.

“To bring forward criminal charges, this office must be able to prove all elements of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt,” the office said Thursday, adding that the case, “does not meet the charging standard … thus the office is declining prosecution at this time.”

The attorney’s office said the case would be “sent to the Maricopa city attorney’s office,” and that Manning may still face a misdemeanor charge for driving under the influence.

Manning allegedly told police he drank four beers before the crash and a beer can was found on the floor of his car. Results from his blood alcohol test are still pending.

According to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Manning was released on June 6 after posting bond.