PHOENIX — Two men have been sentenced to seven years in prison for their roles in a street race that led to a deadly crash in Avondale, officials announced Monday.
Jakari Barksdale and Emanuel Cervantez, both 21, were sentenced last Friday for a fatal incident that took place in May 2021. Despite being only 17 at the time, both were charged and prosecuted as adults, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
Barksdale admitted guilt to manslaughter and aggravated assault, while Cervantez pleaded guilty to manslaughter and leaving the scene of a deadly crash.
The two were reportedly racing at speeds over 100 mph on South Avondale Boulevard near West Broadway Road when Barksdale’s BMW slammed into a Ford F-150 that was turning at the intersection. The collision tore the truck in half, killing the 32-year-old driver instantly.
Investigators learned the street race had been arranged over text messages and captured on cell phone video by bystanders. Witnesses confirmed that Cervantez, driving a Dodge Charger, was racing alongside Barksdale just moments before the crash. Cervantez barely avoided the collision and fled the scene.
“This was not a tragic accident — it was the foreseeable outcome of reckless decisions and utter disregard for human life,” said Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “Street racing is a dangerous crime, not a thrill. This case proves how devastating the consequences can be.”
