MAN CHARGED WITH 2ND DEGREE MURDER FOR NEGLIGENCE THAT LED TO HIS WIFE'S DEATH IN CAR CRASH

Following a car crash, Arizona woman Megan Maiorana drowned to death after she was trapped in a sinking vehicle on 22 March 2024. She was in the car with her husband Anthony Joseph, who has now been charged with her murder, according to a news release from the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. Anthony was in the driver's seat while Megan was seated beside him as they were driving back from a baseball game when the accident occurred.

According to KTVK/KPHO, "the car sank after it came upon a curve but failed to turn." The vehicle they were in ended up crashing into the curb and went over the sidewalk before it dived into the lake. The passenger seat at the front hit a concrete culvert and went airborne for about 100 feet.

After someone notified the Goodyear Police Department about a "rapidly sinking" car and found Anthony screaming outside the vehicle about his wife being trapped inside, the officers arrived at the scene. A few witnesses allegedly told the officers that they "heard a vehicle driving at a of speed followed by screaming," per PEOPLE. "Tragically, despite multiple rescue attempts by officers and bystanders, they were unsuccessful in getting the defendant’s wife out of the vehicle," according to the county attorney's office's news release.

Authorities also mentioned that the alcohol found in Anthony's blood was more than twice the legal limit. According to a new release from the Goodyear Police Department, Anthony was booked into the Maricopa County Jail and was charged with one count of second-degree murder, reckless manslaughter felony, and multiple misdemeanors like driving under the influence, reckless driving and DUI for liquor/drugs/vapors. KTVK/KPHO further revealed that Anthony's bail was set at $150,000.

The accused also admitted to using medication for bipolar disorder during his court appearance. "Anthony Joseph Maiorana, on or about March 22, 2024, without premeditation, under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life, recklessly engaged in conduct which created a grave risk of death and thereby did cause the death of Megan Maiorana," his indictment read. "The State further alleges that the offense charged in this count is a dangerous felony because the offense involved the discharge, use, or threatening exhibition of a motor vehicle, a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument."

A statement released by the Goodyear Police Department revealed that a dive team rescued Megan from the car but by the time they got her out, she was already dead. Anthony was taken to a hospital for treatment and later taken into custody. “I commend the brave citizens and officers in this situation who attempted to save this victim’s life,” said County Attorney Rachel Mitchell per the press release from Maricopa County Attorney's Office. “We are pursuing this charge as a result of the husband’s reckless behavior.” Anthony's trial is set for September 2024.

Car crashes caused by drunk driving are known to kill almost 37 people across America on a daily basis, which means that such recklessness claims a life every 39 minutes.