KINGMAN, Ariz. – A Kingman teenager serving an 18-year prison sentence for convictions associated with the traffic accident-related deaths of two of his best friends is trying to get his incarceration reduced to four years. Brady Shuffler, 19, has petitioned the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency to commute, or shorten his sentence.
The board will conduct an initial Nov. 30 hearing before possibly making a commutation recommendation to Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs.
Shuffler was just 16 years old when the vehicle he was operating sped well above 100 miles per hour in a 45-mile-per-hour zone before it left the roadway and crashed in April 2023, resulting in the deaths of passengers Tatum Meins, 17, and Siri Walema, 15. Two other Lee Williams High School teenagers were seriously injured in the wreck.
Shuffler pleaded guilty to two manslaughter counts and two aggravated assault charges before visiting Judge Suzanne Nicholls ordered the 18-year prison term during an April 2024 sentencing hearing.
“I respectfully believe there is clear evidence that my sentence was unduly harsh and excessive for a juvenile vehicular accident case and that I pose no threat to society if released,” Shuffler said in his application for commutation. He has served about 2.5 years in prison and asks that his time behind bars be reduced to four years.
Shuffler cited his youth, lack of prior criminal history and support from parents, family, friends and clergy in his commutation request.
“While in prison, I have assisted several inmates obtaining their GED’s by teaching and tutoring them for the exam,” Shuffler said. “I have also assisted the prison Chaplin with church services and Bible study courses.”
If released, Shuffler said he planned to live with parents in Kingman and enroll in college.
Shuffler disclosed that family friend and attorney Travis Hill assisted with preparation of the 167-page commutation application. It includes letters of support from Mohave County Board of Supervisors Chairman Travis Lingenfelter (see related story), prison corrections officers and one of the teenagers who survived the crash.
Supervisor endorses clemency for Shuffler
Brady Shuffler is asking that Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs commute his 18-year prison sentence for a high-speed traffic accident that claimed the lives of two popular student athletes who attended Lee Williams High School. The request flows first through the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency, which may make a recommendation to the governor following a Shuffler hearing scheduled Nov. 30.
The application for commutation said more than 100 people have written letters of support for Shuffler. There is some public outcry associated with a March 30 letter of support that Mohave County Board of Supervisors Chairman Travis Lingenfelter sent to the state board on county letterhead, rather than as a private citizen.
The letter bears Lingenfelter’s signature, followed by reference to his position as supervisor and Board Chairman.
“I write to you in my capacity as the Mohave County Dist. 1 Supervisor with deep respect for the seriousness of your role and the gravity of the decision before you,” Lingenfelter’s letter said. It said he respects the victims, their families and the justice system.
“I also believe in the principle that genuine rehabilitation, when clearly demonstrated, should be thoughtfully considered,” Lingenfelter said. He noted that he has learned Shuffler’s conduct has been favorable during his period of incarceration.
“I also understand that Brady has engaged in structured behavior programs, faith-based activities and has demonstrated a consistent commitment to self-improvement,” the communication said. “I offer this letter in support of your (commutation) consideration, not an endorsement of past actions.”
Supervisor Don Martin said he believes Lingenfelter’s use of county letterhead was inappropriate and that the county has nothing to do with the Shuffler case. Martin said he has other views of the criminal legal matter and that Lingenfelter neither speaks for he nor the county.
The mother of one of the girls who was killed in the April 2023 traffic accident has also posted on Facebook that she questions the propriety of Lingenfelter invoking his county position in his commutation support letter.
Tatum Meins’ father Joey Meins is also upset.
“Yes, I (all the victims’ families) feel Lingenfelter is way out of line, abusing his power and using his position within the county to try and have influence,” Meins said. “There is no way do I ever see this as a county matter. Individuals can have their stance and support what they want, as an individual person. Lingenfelter’s letter 110% gives the appearance that he speaks for the entire county! I’m deeply disappointed and frustrated by Lingenfelter’s actions.”
Lingenfelter issued a statement in defense of his communication.
“My letter supporting Brady’s application was an individual recommendation submitted in my capacity as Mohave County District 1 Supervisor. It was not submitted on behalf of the full Board of Supervisors,” his statement said. “Individual recommendations on official letterhead, including recommendations in clemency matters, are an established practice.”
“My submission and the use of my office letterhead were lawful and ethical in accordance with state law and county policy,” Lingenfelter continued. “Out of respect for the families’ concerns and strong emotions, I also resubmitted my support by separate email from my private account as a private individual, business owner and community member of Kingman since 1977.”
