Dena Devine Hit with Manslaughter and New DUI Charges in Shocking Twist

In a tragic incident on January 20, 2024, Dena Paige Devine, 53, allegedly struck and killed motorcyclist Jordan Piergrossi on Honeycutt Road, leading to significant legal repercussions. Reports indicate that Devine had consumed several beers and a marijuana edible prior to driving.

The Pinal County grand jury’s recent decision to dismiss DUI charges against her sparked widespread public outrage. Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer noted the rarity of such a grand jury outcome, which occurs about six times annually amidst roughly 2,700 cases filed.

Despite the grand jury’s ruling, Volkmer reassured that the pursuit of justice for Piergrossi, a 47-year-old father from Mesa, wasn’t over. According to him, the case will be escalated to city court, where Devine will face charges of DUI and misdemeanor manslaughter.

“We’re going to take it back to city court,” Volkmer stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges. Under Arizona law, misdemeanor manslaughter carries penalties including six months in jail, up to $100,000 in restitution, and a one-year driving privilege suspension, as opposed to felony vehicular manslaughter, which could result in a prison term of up to 21 years.

As prosecutors prepare to file new charges in Maricopa Municipal Court, it is expected that the defense will argue that Piergrossi was speeding at the time of the collision. Expert analysis suggested Piergrossi was traveling at 59 miles per hour upon impact in a 45-mile-per-hour zone, with an estimate of 70 miles per hour just prior to it.

“If he was not speeding, the accident would not have happened,” Volkmer cited the reconstructionist’s opinion. Nonetheless, the state needs to demonstrate that Devine was impaired at the time of the crash to secure a manslaughter conviction.

Evidence collected at the scene noted signs of impairment. Officer Adam Abel of the Maricopa Police Department reported detecting the odor of alcohol on Devine and describing her emotional state during interactions. She reportedly claimed to have consumed three to four beers prior to the incident.

While Devine’s blood-alcohol content at the time remains unclear, it has been confirmed that she tested positive for THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. Police obtained a blood sample to assess her alcohol level, which was sent to the Arizona Department of Public Safety crime lab for analysis.

Additional police reports documented Devine’s unstable demeanor during field sobriety tests, reinforcing the claims of impairment. Officer Kennedy Wiemiller noted her difficulties during a sobriety check, further indicating signs of intoxication.

The investigation continues to unfold as law enforcement secures further evidence. A warrant issued by an Eloy Municipal Court judge permits access to the event data recorder, or ‘black box,’ of Devine’s vehicle, providing crucial information regarding the moments leading up to the crash.

As the case develops, it remains to be seen when the new charges will be officially filed in Maricopa court.

Jeff Chew contributed to this report.