Arizona Driver Who Killed 6-Year-Old Girl While Going 105 MPH Admits to Drinking and Smoking Before Crash
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – A 21-year-old driver accused of killing a 6-year-old girl and critically injuring her 2-year-old sister while speeding at 105 mph has been arrested after investigators disproved his claim that he was “brake-checked” before the deadly crash.
Deadly Crash on Interstate 10
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), Turatsinze Gadi was both drunk and high when he slammed his Toyota Tundra into the back of a Toyota Corolla carrying a mother and her children around 8 p.m. Sunday on I-10 near Phoenix.
Troopers arrived to find the mangled Corolla with five people inside, including the two young girls. The 6-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, while her 2-year-old sister was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
“I’m Sorry,” Says the Driver
Authorities said Gadi fled the scene and abandoned his pickup at a nearby QuikTrip gas station, where he was later arrested.
During questioning, Gadi allegedly admitted he had been drinking beer and tequila earlier that evening while celebrating his girlfriend’s birthday — and had also smoked marijuana.
His blood alcohol concentration measured .219, nearly three times the legal limit. Despite this, Gadi claimed he felt “only a three or four” on a scale of ten in terms of intoxication, police said.
When appearing before a judge on Monday, Gadi apologized repeatedly, saying, “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”
Investigators Disprove “Brake-Check” Claim
Gadi initially told police that another driver had brake-checked him, causing the collision. However, evidence from crash reconstruction and surveillance footage showed no other vehicle involvement, according to investigators.
Witnesses reported seeing Gadi’s truck weaving in and out of traffic at over 100 mph before impact.
Family’s Loss and Legal Charges
A GoFundMe page created for the victims’ family describes the tragedy as “unimaginable,” stating the mother must now say goodbye to her “precious baby girl” while her younger daughter continues to fight for her life in the ICU.
Gadi faces multiple charges, including:
- Second-degree murder
- Aggravated assault
- Endangerment
- Leaving the scene of a fatal accident
He remains held on a $500,000 bond at the Maricopa County Jail.
The case has renewed public outrage in Arizona over impaired driving deaths, which remain among the state’s leading causes of highway fatalities. For continuing updates on criminal cases and safety initiatives, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.