Driver Admits Guilt in Christmas Eve Tragedy That Claimed Pregnant Woman’s Life on US 60

A Chandler man has admitted guilt in the tragic deaths of two individuals, including a pregnant woman, stemming from a DUI accident on US 60 in Pinal County.

Ronald Howard, 64, faced charges following a collision on December 23, 2024, that resulted in the death of 23-year-old Talaura Frost and her unborn child. The incident occurred near Queen Valley while Frost was traveling with her fiancé, Brandon.

According to the Pinal County Attorney’s Office, Howard had a blood alcohol content nearly four times the legal limit when the crash occurred. The collision propelled their vehicle off the road into a wash, where it collided with a cement wall, leading to Frost’s death at the scene.

Frost’s parents, Harvey and Kristie, expressed deep sorrow over the loss. Kristie Frost emphasized their agony, stating, “We’re never going to get our daughter back. I’m never going to meet my first-born grandson.”

Howard has pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder, with sentencing scheduled for next month. He faces a potential prison term ranging from 10 to 65 years.

The Frost family argues that the tragedy could have been averted, citing Howard’s two prior DUI convictions. “If justice would have been served on the first DUI or second DUI, we might not be having this conversation today,” Kristie lamented. “I don’t want another family to sit where we are in possibly 10 years, if that’s all he gets.”

Witnesses reported calling 911 prior to the crash, describing Howard’s erratic driving behavior, including swerving and tailgating.

The impact of the accident has reverberated through the Frost family, extending their loss to Talaura’s fiancé, Brandon, who survived with severe injuries. “He killed two people, and he wounded another,” Kristie noted. “We lost three people on the side of the road that day.”

As the sentencing hearing approaches, the Frosts are advocating for the maximum penalty. Kristie stated, “I would request 65 years — absolutely consecutive sentences for all three charges. There’s nothing else that’s acceptable.”

Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller plans to pursue the maximum sentence during the court hearing on July 1. “We have a weeping mother right now who is devastated that her child and her grandson were murdered in this case. This was preventable,” Miller said. “It could have been prevented by one click on a cellphone, but unfortunately, Mr. Howard chose something different.”

Howard’s defense attorney, Jeffery Cloud, acknowledged his client’s acceptance of responsibility but indicated they would request lesser consecutive sentences due to Howard’s poor health and a “lapse in judgment” on the day of the incident.