Peoria man pleads guilty to murder in fatal wrong-way DUI crash

Peoria resident Adam Parker, 38, has pleaded guilty to murder in a DUI wrong-way crash that killed a mother and injured her daughter along the U.S. 60 in Apache Junction, according to the Pinal County Attorney's Office.

Parker pleaded guilty July 22 to Second Degree Murder, a Class 1 Felony; and Aggravated Assault, a Class 2 Felony. Parker pled to the court, meaning there was no plea agreement in place.

“While accountability is an important step in this case, our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims’ family, and especially with the young child who has to grow up without her mother. This case demonstrates the devastating consequences that can occur when choosing to drink and drive,” said Pinal County Attorney Volkmer.

Multiple people called 911 around 9:30 p.m., Jan. 20 and reported the driver of a truck driving aggressively, moving in and out of traffic, and then heading the wrong direction, driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of the U.S. 60 near Mountain View Road.

Shortly after, the truck collided with an SUV heading in the correct direction.

Parker was identified as the driver of the F-150. The driver of the SUV, Elizabeth McAloon, 28, died from her injuries. McAloon's seven-year-old daughter was also injured in the crash. The victims were returning home from church when the crash occurred.

A blood draw showed Parker's BAC in excess of 0.23, according to a probable cause statement.

Parker is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 6.