BULLHEAD CITY – A Fort Mohave man faces possible prison time after entering a plea agreement involving the death of his boyfriend.
31-year-old Anthony Duarte pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an injury accident involving injury or death. Authorities alleged that Duarte and Aaron Robinson, 21, had returned from a bar when they engaged in an alcohol-fueled argument outside their home in the 2000 block of E Desert Palms Dr. on Nov. 18, 2023.
Deputy Mohave County Attorney Karolina Czaplinska said the defendant intervened when Robinson attempted to drive away in Duarte’s Ford Explorer. Duarte reportedly ended up behind the wheel and sped away, knocking down Robinson with an open door before he was dragged down the street and ran over.
The Sheriff’s office said a 38-second video captured at least a portion of the incident. Czaplinska said the video showed the vehicle elevating as if striking or running over something (Robinson) a few hundred yards from the home.
Czaplinska said Duarte ignored Robinson’s screams as he drove back to the home and parked. Robinson hobbled from the scene and worked his way back into the home before authorities were summoned.
Robinson died following transport to Valley View Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.
Terms of the plea deal provide broad discretion for Mohave County Superior Court Judge Lee Jantzen at a Jan. 31 sentencing hearing. Duarte is eligible for probation, but can also be sentenced up to 8.75 years in prison.
Dave Hawkins
