Driver Charged After Wrong-Way Crash Kills Child
A 10-year-old passenger died following a collision involving a driver who was reportedly intoxicated.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Accidents
Richard Blackstar, 59, faces second-degree murder and aggravated assault charges after driving the wrong way in Phoenix and causing a fatal crash. The 10-year-old passenger of a Nissan Sentra involved in the collision died the day after the incident.
Why it matters
The case highlights the dangers of impaired driving in urban areas and the severe legal consequences for drivers whose actions result in fatalities. Prosecutors have set a significant bond as the investigation into the collision continues.
Richard Blackstar, who had a blood alcohol level of .181 at the time of the incident, is currently held on a $250,000 cash bond. He faces felony charges of second-degree murder and aggravated assault.
The players
Richard Blackstar
He is the 59-year-old driver currently facing criminal charges related to a fatal wrong-way vehicle collision.
The details
Blackstar was speeding while driving a pickup truck in the wrong direction on Washington Street when he struck a Nissan Sentra near 18th Street. The young victim succumbed to injuries sustained in the wreck the following day.
Timeline
The crash occurred near 18th and Washington streets at 11 a.m. on Oct. 14.
The 10-year-old victim died in the hospital on Oct. 15.
Richard Blackstar has a scheduled court appearance for Oct. 21.
Legal Context
The charges brought against the driver align with Arizona second-degree murder statutes which address deaths occurring through reckless conduct. This case marks a high-profile application of these laws in the context of impaired driving fatalities in the city.
Local residents should remain alert for potential traffic delays near the 18th and Washington area as the investigation proceeds. The incident serves as a reminder of the immediate dangers posed by wrong-way driving in busy city corridors.
The takeaway
Drivers are reminded that operating a vehicle under the influence carries life-altering legal and personal consequences. Authorities continue to monitor traffic flow in the area to ensure the safety of commuters after this tragic event.
What happens next
Richard Blackstar is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 21 regarding the pending criminal charges.
Further reading
For more information on local road safety, see Phoenix accidents.
