Chandler, Arizona (AZ Family) — A drunk driver responsible for a hit-and-run crash that killed a 73-year-old woman in Chandler in 2023 will spend more than 10 years in prison.
On Wednesday, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced that Keith James Taylor was sentenced to 11 years in prison for the death of Melinda Epperson.
On November 27, 2023, Taylor was driving when he collided with Epperson, who was crossing the road at a nearby crosswalk. McQueen and the Ocotillo Road. Investigators said Taylor fled the scene and then struck another driver at a nearby intersection before abandoning the vehicle.
Officers began pursuing Taylor on foot and eventually took him into custody, according to court documents. Officers said there was a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, his eyes were bloodshot and his speech was slurred. His blood alcohol level returned to .181, more than twice the legal limit.
“The blatant disregard for human life is evident in this case, and the sentence ordered by the court is justifiable for the crime committed,” Mitchell said in a statement.
After being arrested, Taylor told authorities that he had been removed from the scene of the accident the morning of the accident because he was under the influence of alcohol.
Taylor pleaded guilty to two counts of reckless manslaughter and one count of leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
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