Reckless driver who killed man on Laveen highway gets 5-year sentence

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) - A reckless driver who killed a man in early 2021 on the Loop 202 in Laveen made a plea deal and was sentenced to five years in state prison.

Marcus Xavier Castro accepted a deal from prosecutors, which reduced the charges of reckless manslaughter and leaving the scene of a deadly accident in exchange for a guilty plea. The plea agreement includes a five-year prison sentence for manslaughter and probation, which will be served after being released from prison.

On Jan. 10, 2021, Castro was speeding in a gold-colored minivan going southbound on Loop 202, a witness told police. He rammed into a dark blue car driven by 70-year-old Douglas Lee Smith, who later died from his injuries at a hospital. Several witnesses said they watched as Castro got out of the minivan and ran under the highway bridge. He was located and arrested over a mile east on 51st and Southern Avenues.

Janet Hook, says Smith was like a father to her. “He was such a great human being. He would do anything for anyone. He didn’t deserve to die the way he did.” Hook says Smith’s friends and family are outraged by Castro’s five-year sentence. “I personally know people who have stolen from a convenience story and got more time than that.”

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