By: Ciara Perez | Investigative Reporter | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)
Published June 18th, 2025
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Florence, AZ — A devastating DUI case that shook Pinal County last December has reached a significant milestone in court. Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller announced today that Ronald Keith Howard, 64, has pleaded guilty on all charges related to a fatal drunk driving crash that killed a pregnant woman and her unborn child.
The deadly incident occurred on December 23, 2024, when Howard, a repeat DUI offender, drove with a blood alcohol concentration of .303—nearly four times the legal limit. According to investigators from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Howard had stopped his vehicle along the eastbound shoulder of US60 between mileposts 204 and 215. He then accelerated into traffic, directly into the path of a vehicle carrying a husband and his pregnant wife.
The driver attempted to swerve left to avoid the impact, but the vehicles collided. Tragically, the passenger—who was 17 weeks pregnant—died at the scene, along with her unborn child. Her husband sustained serious injuries in the crash.
“This case represents a heartbreaking and senseless tragedy in our community,” said County Attorney Brad Miller. “A young mother and her unborn child are gone because of a selfish, reckless decision by someone who knew better—and who had multiple prior DUI convictions.”
Howard was charged with:
- Two counts of Second Degree Murder (Class One Felonies)
- One count of Aggravated Assault (Class Three Dangerous Felony)
He now faces a maximum sentence of 65 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 1, 2025, before Judge Fuller. Prosecutors are asking the court to impose consecutive sentences to ensure Howard spends the remainder of his life behind bars.
“This guilty plea is a step toward justice,” said prosecutor Stephen Bridger. “But it cannot undo the devastation caused. This is a grim reminder of the horrific consequences that come from choosing to drink and drive.”
County Attorney Miller also praised the work of the Arizona Department of Public Safety for their thorough investigation and expressed admiration for the strength of the victim’s family:
“Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family, who have shown extraordinary courage throughout this painful process. We will continue to prosecute DUI offenders aggressively to prevent such tragedies from happening again.”
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