Brandon James-Higdon, 42, died at a local hospital on Nov. 2, days after he was struck by a car near North Flowing Wells Road and West Roger Road in Tucson around 11 p.m. on Oct. 31. The driver, identified by authorities as 50-year-old Eric Anson Taylor, had already been arrested on Halloween night after a witness tracked him to his own home, and now faces an upgraded charge of manslaughter following James-Higdon's death.
Pima County Sheriff's Department Foothills District deputies responded to the crash scene on Halloween night, where investigators say a gray Dodge Charger struck James-Higdon before its driver fled without stopping to help, according to KVOA. The sheriff's department says the Charger was later located at a nearby home, where deputies detained the driver after observing signs of drinking. A witness had tracked the 50-year-old Taylor to that home, where deputies made the arrest, as reported by kold.com.
Signs of Intoxication and a Loud Bang
Deputies said Taylor showed signs of intoxication at the scene of his arrest, per the same account. Court documents obtained by 13 News indicate that Taylor and a passenger told deputies they heard a loud “bang,” and the passenger said they did not try to pull over at the time.
Pima County Sheriff's Department Traffic Unit detectives responded to investigate the crash itself, according to KVOA. Taylor was initially charged with driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury, and aggravated assault, a set of charges confirmed by KGUN9.
Charges Upgraded After Victim's Death
Detectives were notified on Thursday that James-Higdon had died from his injuries, and they upgraded Taylor's charges in response, KVOA reports. Taylor is now charged with driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident involving death, and manslaughter, and he remains in custody, according to the outlet. KGUN9 separately reported that Taylor remains in custody with updated charges that include DUI, leaving the scene of an accident involving death, and manslaughter.
The kold.com report additionally stated that Taylor was being held on a $250,000 bond while facing manslaughter, DUI, and leaving-the-scene charges tied to the fatal crash. Under Arizona law, manslaughter is classified as a class 2 felony, according to the Arizona Legislature.
The investigation remains ongoing, and detectives have not released additional details about what led up to the crash near Flowing Wells and Roger.
