KINGMAN – A Kingman man responsible for the death of a Peach Springs woman in a drunk driving traffic accident has been given the maximum punishment under terms of a plea agreement, as requested by members of the victim’s family.
Two teenage daughters lost their mother when Nanette Tarin, 54, was killed in the two vehicle collision on Historic Route 66 on March 12, 2023. And Lana Keller Robinett spoke fondly of her sister, noting that she used her ability to speak three languages as an ambassador who welcomed visitors at the Hualapai Tribe’s Grand Canyon West.
“She greeted people from all over the world,” Keller Robinett said. “She was just larger than life.”
Judge Doug Camacho said the victim input was powerful as he imposed the top end of the 3-12.5 year range of prison punishment for Joel Swanson, 51, during an April 24 sentencing hearing.
“I feel terrible and sad about everything that has happened,” Swanson offered. “I hope and pray that we can all heal and go on with our lives. I’m sorry.”
Defense attorney Ben Fearnley said Swanson self-medicated with alcohol to deal with a history of personal issues. “This was a terrible tragedy,” Fearnley said of the deadly traffic accident about 14 miles north of Kingman.
The Department of Public Safety said that Swanson was eastbound when he turned his 2017 Silverado into the path of an oncoming westbound 2014 Volkswagen. Tarin, a backseat passenger in the Volkswagen was dead at the scene of her injuries.
Swanson pleaded guilty to manslaughter and driving under the influence of alcohol. His blood alcohol content was measured .215, well more than twice the legal limit for operating a motor vehicle.
