KINGMAN, Ariz. – A Las Vegas resident faces at least two dozen years behind bars after entering a plea agreement involving a triple fatality traffic accident just outside Lake Havasu City. Joseph Santiago, 31, pleaded guilty to three manslaughter charges during an Oct. 29 hearing in Kingman.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) said the Nissan operated by Santiago crossed the center line of Hwy. 95 and struck an oncoming Ford Bronco one mile south of the city limits on June 19.
All of the occupants of the Bronco were residents of Yuma. The deceased were identified as Faron Woods, 69, Robert Sumac, 75, and Robert Wilson, 73.
“My dad’s life mattered,” Woods’ daughter said during the change of plea hearing. “He should still be here.”
Judge Billy Sipe said more victim statements can be provided to the court at a Dec. 11 sentencing hearing. Terms of the plea deal require a 24- to 30-year prison term, followed by probation.
Santiago also pleaded guilty to aggravated assault involving the injury of a fourth person in the other vehicle who survived the accident.
Deputy Mohave County Attorney James Schoppmann said Santiago admitted he had used marijuana four to seven days before the deadly wreck. Schoppmann said the surviving passenger told authorities that Santiago ingested marijuana the day before the crash.
The prosecutor also said that the active ingredient of marijuana, amphetamines and methamphetamine was found in his bloodstream.
Dave Hawkins
