Dave Edler, 68, who served as Yakima's mayor from 2006 to 2010 and played third base for the Mariners from 1980 to 1983, was in critical condition Monday at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle with two broken arms and facial injuries. His wife, Susan Edler, was pronounced dead at MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital after the crash.

Trevor Allen Stockton, 26, of Yakima, was booked into the Yakima County jail Sunday on suspicion of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault while under the influence of intoxicants. He made his first court appearance Monday before Yakima County Superior Court Judge Shane Silverthorn, who set bail at $75,000 and ordered that Stockton install an ignition interlock device and enroll in a full-time sobriety program if released.

Police were called around 4:30 p.m. Sunday to South 76th Avenue and Coolidge Road for a two-vehicle head-on collision. Officers found a Dodge Ram pickup and a Ford Bronco Sport in a ditch. The Edlers were trapped in the Bronco and had to be extricated by firefighters, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Dave Edler told police the truck had entered his lane. Officers said the Dodge went up onto the Ford's hood, striking the windshield and collapsing the front window posts, with damage concentrated on the passenger side. A witness told police that Stockton, whom he recognized as a farmhand for a local farm, said after the crash that "they were in my lane."

A Yakima police drug recognition officer said he could smell alcohol on Stockton from five feet away and noted red, watery eyes and slurred speech. Stockton refused voluntary field sobriety tests, and police obtained a warrant for a blood draw.

Stockton's cousin, who came to the scene after he called her, told officers she had seen him drinking alcohol at breakfast that morning and that he and his girlfriend later went to the West Valley Bar. Security video showed them arriving at 12:45 p.m., the girlfriend being picked up by someone else around 3:38 p.m., and Stockton leaving at 4:24 p.m. His bar tab showed nine drinks purchased for himself and his girlfriend. Silverthorn noted that Stockton crashed within six minutes of leaving the bar.

Deputy Yakima County Prosecuting Attorney Jaye Sleeman asked for at least $500,000 bail, citing Stockton's daylong drinking and his behavior after the crash. Sleeman said Stockton chuckled when told the Edlers were seriously injured and responded "OK" upon learning the passenger had died — a reaction the officer believed explained his "mocking smile." Sleeman also said Stockton repeatedly insulted the drug recognition officer using a slur for people with mental disabilities.

Public defender Konrad Beattie objected to the prosecution's characterization, noting Stockton is presumed innocent and arguing that conflicting accounts from both drivers about who was in the wrong lane raise questions about the crash's cause. He said bail no higher than $50,000 would be more attainable. Stockton's only prior criminal conviction is a gross misdemeanor eluding charge in Oregon in 2021, pleaded down from felony eluding and first-degree criminal trespass.

Silverthorn called the alleged crimes serious and violent, said a long prison sentence increases flight risk, and imposed conditions including no contact with Dave Edler. Stockton has been a volunteer firefighter for the West Valley Fire Department since February 2025 and is on administrative leave, Fire Chief Nathan Craig said.

Dave Edler served on the Yakima City Council from 2003 to 2006 before becoming mayor, a role that under Yakima's form of government is the presiding council member. He and Susan were leaders at Yakima Foursquare Church for 30 years, where he was a senior pastor and Northwest District supervisor.

The case has shaken a community where the Edlers were known for decades of public service and ministry. Supporters of the family are expected to gather in the coming days as Dave Edler continues treatment in Seattle.