‘Repeat DUI offender’ pleads guilty to deadly US 60 crash in Pinal County

The defendant pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder for crash on the US 60 in Pinal County that killed a pregnant woman.

PINAL COUNTY, Ariz — A man has pleaded guilty to causing the death of a pregnant woman on the US 60 right before Christmas Day 2024 and is now facing a long prison sentence. 

Ronald K. Howard, 64, has pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and one count of aggravated assault for a car crash reported on Dec. 23, 2024 in Pinal County. 

The Pinal County Attorney’s Office said the defendant was driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.303 when his car crossed into the path of a vehicle occupied by a man and woman.

The woman, who was 17 weeks pregnant, died at the scene. The Arizona Department of Public Safety identified the deceased woman as 23-year-old Talaura Rhyann Frost of Snowflake. 

Frost’s family previously told 12News that Frost’s fiance was also injured in the collision and couple were planning to get married soon.

PCAO said Howard faces a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison and the agency will push to have the defendant spend the rest of his life in prison.

The prosecutorial agency described the defendant as a “repeat DUI offender.”

“This is a reminder that a choice to drink and drive can have horrific consequences, ruining the lives of innocent families,” prosecutor Stephen Bridger said in a statement.

Howard will be sentenced on July 1 in Pinal County Superior Court.

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