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Richard Blackstar faces charges after fatal wrong-way collision in downtown Phoenix
A 10-year-old girl died after a truck traveling the wrong way on Washington Street struck a car near 16th Street. Phoenix police identified the truck’s driver as Richard Blackstar, 59, who faces second-degree murder and aggravated assault charges.
A 10-year-old girl died Thursday, a day after a wrong-way collision near 16th and Washington streets in Phoenix. Richard Blackstar, 59, was arrested in connection with the crash and faces charges of second-degree murder and aggravated assault, Phoenix police said.
The crash happened around 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, involving a black truck driven by Blackstar and a silver passenger car. Investigators said the car was traveling south on 18th Street when the truck, heading the wrong way on Washington Street, hit it on the side.
The car’s driver, 34-year-old Frankeesue Palazzo, and the girl were taken to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries. The girl died Thursday; Palazzo remained in critical condition, according to police.
Blackstar was also hospitalized with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Police said he was evaluated and believed to be impaired at the time of the collision. The investigation and criminal charges remain subject to the legal process.