KINGMAN – A Golden Valley teenager charged in a vehicular pedestrian fatality faces probation up to five years in prison after entering a plea agreement Friday, Sept. 27. Dehaven William Shafer, 19, admits operating a vehicle that struck and killed a man in Golden Valley at about 7:41 p.m. on Jan. 2.
Mohave County Sheriff’s deputies responding to the scene located the victim in the roadway in the vicinity of Chino Drive and Adobe Road in Golden Valley. James Douglass McDaniel, 69, Golden Valley, was dead at the scene.
Shaffer fled the crash but was identified as a potential suspect during the subsequent detective-led investigation. The Sheriff’s Office said Shaffer was arrested in mid-March when detectives located his vehicle with front end damage consistent with a pedestrian strike.
Shaffer reportedly admitted responsibility for the collision and for failing to render aid at the scene. He was charged with manslaughter and failing to remain at the scene of an accident involving death or serious physical injury.
Shaffer pleaded guilty to the latter charge while the manslaughter count is dismissed. Terms of the deal allow possible probation and jail time, or three to five years confinement if the Court opts for prison.
Mohave County Superior Court Judge Lee Jantzen scheduled an Oct. 28 sentencing hearing.
Dave Hawkins
