Arkansas – On July 7, 2025, Alexander Rios-Rodriguez, 28, of Russellville, was sentenced to 20 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to negligent homicide and three counts of second-degree battery. The charges stem from a deadly drunk driving accident on January 14, 2024.
The crash occurred around 4:30 a.m. on the Fulbright Expressway in Fayetteville when Rios-Rodriguez was driving a Toyota Camry eastbound in the westbound lane. His vehicle collided head-on with a Chevrolet Equinox driven by a rideshare driver.
The Equinox was carrying three passengers, including a 12-year-old girl who was killed in the collision. Both the driver and remaining passengers, along with Rios-Rodriguez and his passenger, suffered critical injuries.
Arkansas State Police collected a blood sample from Rios-Rodriguez, revealing a blood-alcohol level of 0.13. Judge Joanna Taylor handed down the maximum 20-year sentence for negligent homicide, with concurrent 10-year sentences for each battery count.
The investigation involved Arkansas State Police, Fayetteville Police Department, and the Washington County Coroner’s Office. Washington County Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Denis Dean credited the thorough investigation for ensuring justice despite a strong defense team.