Mexico, MO – A Missouri man received a conditional sentence following a guilty plea in connection to the deaths of two individuals in a drunk-driving incident. Joshua Frye, 24, pleaded guilty on Monday to charges of driving while intoxicated causing death, reckless driving, and DWI causing serious injury.
The fatal crash occurred on July 12, as Frye drove on the wrong side of South Clark Street in Mexico. Court documents reveal that Frye drove at an excessive speed before striking an oncoming vehicle, leading to a head-on collision.
Prosecutors described the incident as careless and imprudent. The victims were identified as Kristian Pritchett, 22, and Austin Terry, 27, who were passengers in Frye’s vehicle during the crash.
A third person, Elliot Kitson, 29, sustained injuries but survived the incident. The driver of the other vehicle reported that Frye’s car lost control on a curve shortly before impact at approximately 6:30 a.m.
Following the crash, law enforcement discovered multiple alcoholic beverages inside Frye’s vehicle. During court proceedings, Audrain County Prosecutor Jacob Shellabarger announced that Frye was sentenced to 15 years for the vehicular homicide charge and additional time for the other charges.
These sentences will run concurrently, but they are suspended pending Frye’s completion of a 120-day treatment program. He has been in custody since the crash due to his own injuries.
The victims’ families expressed opposition to the plea deal. They communicated their desire for Frye to serve the maximum possible punishment, emphasizing the irreversible losses they suffered.
Shellabarger noted Frye’s lack of a prior criminal history when discussing the plea deal. He addressed the severe consequences of Frye’s actions, reaffirming the gravity of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Frye will face probation if he completes the treatment program. He will also be subject to strict terms of probation should he be released.