Maricopa woman who crashed car, killed 1 gets 26 years in prison

A Maricopa woman was sentenced today to 26 years in prison for killing a woman and seriously injuring another man in a high-speed three-vehicle crash in November 2022.

Pinal County Superior Court Judge Danielle Harris sentenced Chelsea Edwards, 20, to the lengthy term in Arizona Department of Corrections.

A jury found Edwards guilty of second-degree murder, a Class 1 felony, and aggravated assault, a Class 3 felony.

Pinal County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Fanner Drive and Ralston Road in Maricopa where the crash took place.

A 21-year-old female was pronounced deceased after she was ejected from a vehicle, while another man sustained severe injuries and was airlifted to Chandler Regional Hospital.

Edwards, who was driving a Chrysler 300, admitted to deputies she consumed alcohol and marijuana prior to the crash.  Her blood-alcohol content was determined to be .13. The legal limit is .08

The investigation showed Edwards was traveling 119 mph just before the crash in a 45 mph speed zone. 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.

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