An Ashdown, Ark., man pleaded guilty recently to negligent homicide and battery involving a fatal collision on U.S. Highway 71 near Wilton, Ark., and was sentenced to 55 years in prison.
Samuel Maroon, 52, of Ashdown pleaded guilty to negligent homicide and battery in the second degree. Two people were killed and three injured in the crash.
He was sentenced to 55 years by Ninth Circuit Court Judge Charles Yeargan.
Maroon was arrested March 19 and entered a not guilty plea in circuit court in Ashdown. He was released from jail on a $50,000 bond.
He decided to change his plea to guilty, according to court records.
Maroon entered his guilty plea Sept. 4.
The wreck was reported at 10:08 p.m. Feb. 9, Maroon was traveling south on U.S. Highway 71 south of Wilton when he crossed the center line and struck a 2011 Ford Focus driven by Jesus Rubio.
Rubio was pronounced dead at the scene by Little River County Coroner Roddy Smith.
Rubio's 4-year-old son and three other passengers were taken to hospitals in Texarkana. Jayden Fraire was pronounced dead at 2:11 a.m. on Feb. 10 by Dr. Marcus Smith at Christus St. Michael's in Texarkana.
According to the incident report, Maroon's blood was collected by Arkansas State Police Cpl. Chris Busse. Maroon's blood alcohol content was allegedly .20.
Maroon remains in the Little River County jail pending transfer to a state prison when a bed becomes available.
The information document said a person commits negligent homicide for negligently causing the death of another person.