In a chilling turn of events, a man has been slapped with a second-degree murder charge after his wife tragically drowned when their car plunged into a lake in Goodyear. Anthony Joseph Maiorana, 35, faces the grave indictment announced by Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell following the March 22 incident that ended with his wife, Megan Maiorana, dead in a submerged vehicle.

According to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, Goodyear Police received a distress call about the car crash and found Maiorana outside the sinking car, frantically declaring that his wife was trapped inside. Despite heroic efforts by officers and onlookers, their rescue attempts failed to save Megan. Adding to the nightmare, Maiorana's blood alcohol content registered more than twice the legal limit, demonstrating a reckless disregard for safety, and consequently, his spouse's life.

County Attorney Rachel Mitchell lauded the courage of those who tried to intervene, stating, "I commend the brave citizens and officers in this situation who attempted to save this victim's life," as per the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. Mitchell's office is pushing the charge due to what they've deemed as Maiorana's "reckless behavior." Bystanders had reported hearing a vehicle speeding and screaming before the crash occurred, adding to the grim narrative of what unfolded that night.

The proceedings against Maiorana are ramping up, with his trial slated for September. As per legal protocol, although Maiorana stands accused of second-degree murder, he remains innocent until proven guilty, the indictment suggests a severe lapse in judgement, that led to irreparable loss.