An Arizona man, aged 40, was apprehended last week following allegations of murdering his former girlfriend by intentionally ramming a go-kart-like vehicle into an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) she was operating. The suspect, John H. Stettler, was charged with second-degree murder in connection with domestic violence, following the death of 32-year-old Sally Minard, as reported by law enforcement officials.
The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement detailing that deputies responded to a vehicular collision report around 1:36 a.m. on Friday, July 28. The incident took place near Driftwood Drive and Boathouse Drive, approximately 250 miles northwest of Phoenix.
The collision was unusual as it involved a quad ATV and a vehicle resembling a go-kart, according to the sheriff’s office. Upon reaching the scene, first responders found Minard, who was identified as the ATV driver. She had sustained severe injuries from the crash and was immediately rushed to Las Vegas Hospital, crossing the state border into Nevada.
Sadly, Minard did not survive her injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival at the hospital. The sheriff’s office was informed of her death, prompting detectives and the Accident Reconstruction Team to investigate the fatal incident.
Investigators identified Stettler, a resident of Meadview, as the other party involved in the collision. He was allegedly driving the go-kart-like vehicle that collided with Minard’s ATV. Stettler did not sustain serious injuries from the crash.
The investigation revealed that the collision was not a mere accident but a criminal act, according to the sheriff’s office. Detectives also discovered that Minard and Stettler had previously been in a romantic relationship, although the duration and end of their relationship remain unclear.
The methods used by investigators to determine the intentional nature of the crash have not been disclosed. The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office has not yet responded to requests for additional information regarding the collision and the evidence pointing to its criminal nature.
Following the initial investigation, Stettler was arrested without incident and charged with Minard’s murder. He is currently being held at the Mohave County Adult Detention Facility on a $300,000 bond. The sheriff’s office has stressed that the investigation into the crash is still ongoing.