A Tempe woman is facing serious felony charges after a chain-reaction wreck on Interstate 10 near west Phoenix that left one man dead and a woman badly hurt. The crash unfolded just before noon Sunday, when investigators say a speeding Kia sedan changed lanes and hit a Toyota Highlander. The impact shoved the Highlander into a Scion SUV and then into an exit sign pole, trapping people inside. Fire crews rolled out hydraulic rescue tools to cut at least one victim free, and eastbound I-10 stayed shut for hours while troopers pieced together what happened.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the Kia’s driver was identified as 23-year-old Andie Stehley of Tempe, who was speeding before the collision. The Toyota’s driver, Michael Byington of Wisconsin, died at the scene, and a passenger in the SUV suffered serious injuries. The driver of the Scion was not hurt. Stehley was arrested, booked into the Maricopa County Jail, and now faces counts including second-degree homicide, endangerment, and criminal damage.
Per ADOT's 2024 Crash Facts, alcohol-related crashes were blamed for 347 deaths statewide in 2024, with Maricopa County accounting for more than half of those fatalities. Local safety advocates say speed and impairment remain a stubborn combo behind many of the Valley’s deadliest wrecks. This latest crash adds to a steady run of fatal freeway cases that keep stretching emergency crews and crowding court dockets.
What investigators say
State troopers say the investigation is still active and they have not released more about any possible intoxication testing or a timeline for prosecution. Arizona's Family reports that troopers reviewed traffic camera footage showing first responders using heavy rescue tools to reach victims and that the crash kept a stretch of I-10 closed for hours. Prosecutors will ultimately decide whether to adjust or add to the current charges as more evidence comes in.
Legal consequences
Stehley is charged with second-degree homicide, a felony under Arizona law, along with endangerment and criminal damage. See Arizona Revised Statutes for state code on homicide offenses and related penalties. If she is convicted, second-degree murder sentencing can bring lengthy prison time and other sanctions that prosecutors and defense attorneys will be weighing as the case develops.
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office will review the investigative file from DPS and set initial court dates as the case moves forward. Investigators are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
