Dena Devine Declares Not Guilty as Judge Pushes for Sobriety

After failing to attend her arraignment this afternoon, Dena Paige Devine’s lawyer submitted a not guilty plea via phone, one hour behind schedule. This development follows the reduction of manslaughter charges against the 53-year-old resident of Homestead, stemming from a fatal incident in which she struck and killed 47-year-old motorcyclist Jordan Piergrossi in Maricopa nearly a year ago.

Devine now faces lesser charges, including two counts of DUI and one for reckless driving. If convicted, she could face a sentence of just over a year in county jail, a stark contrast to the original manslaughter charges. Neither Devine nor Piergrossi’s family appeared at the arraignment, but a former victim of Devine, Sherry Allison, was present, seeking some semblance of justice.

Allison, who was assaulted by Devine in a Maricopa bar in 2020, expressed frustration over the situation. She described the physical injuries she sustained during the assault—broken bones and bruises—and remarked on her disappointment that Devine’s previous charges were dismissed. “It’s so frustrating,” Allison stated. “Maybe if they had taken my case more seriously, she would not have been able to consume alcohol and drugs, and this case wouldn’t have happened.”

As part of the plea agreement, Maricopa Municipal Judge Stephen McCarville mandated that Devine refrain from leaving the state, as well as avoid alcohol and THC-infused products. Devine had admitted to consuming cannabis edibles and four beers prior to the incident on January 20, 2024. However, Allison remains skeptical about Devine’s ability to stay sober. “She always has that weed pen on her,” she noted.

Devine’s pre-trial conference is set for February 25 at 1:45 p.m. Allison voiced her disbelief about the leniency shown to Devine, questioning how someone can “spend all day drinking and doing drugs” and avoid serious charges like murder or manslaughter. “You or I would be locked up for many years,” she said, expressing her sympathy for Piergrossi’s family. “What a slap in the face. Honestly.”