Adam Parker: Peoria man faces murder charges in wrong-way crash that killed woman and injured her daughter, 7

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

FLORENCE, ARIZONA: A driver traveling in the wrong direction had a blood alcohol level exceeding three times the legal limit, resulting in a collision late Saturday night, January 20, in Apache Junction that claimed the life of a woman and left her young daughter injured.

According to AZ Family, the victims have been identified as 28-year-old Elizabeth McAloon and her 7-year-old daughter, Rima.

In the aftermath of this tragic crash, a Pinal County grand jury has issued an indictment against Adam Parker, a 37-year-old resident of Peoria.

The charges include murder and aggravated assault in connection with the wrong-way crash that occurred last month.

What happened at crime scene?

The Arizona Department of Public Safety received multiple calls just after 9:30 pm on Saturday reporting a pickup truck driving erratically on the US 60 near Mountain View Road.

Witnesses revealed that 37-year-old Adam Parker of Peoria was initially driving east in the westbound lanes and later switched to driving west in the eastbound lanes. 

At 9:48 pm, Parker collided head-on with a Toyota SUV carrying 28-year-old Elizabeth McAloon and her 7-year-old daughter, Rima. The mother, Elizabeth, succumbed to her injuries upon reaching the hospital, while Rima, with a broken arm, cuts, and a neck injury, is currently recovering at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

According to court documents, troopers discovered Parker lying outside his truck after the crash. Alcoholic containers were reportedly found in the front seat, and the smell of alcohol emanated from Parker. 

He informed troopers that he was driving from the desert and couldn't recall his destination. Parker, with a dislocated hip, was transported to the hospital, where a blood sample revealed a preliminary alcohol concentration of 0.263. Notably, Parker has two prior DUI convictions.

After his release from the hospital, Parker was booked into the Pinal County jail on charges including second-degree murder, aggravated assault, and child abuse as per Azfamily.

What did Elizbeth McAloon’s family claim?

Following the tragic demise of Elizabeth McAloon, she is fondly remembered for her deep love for family and God, and she was an integral part of the family ministry team at One Life Church's East Campus. 

Her husband recalled that she had texted him about heading home from church around 9:30 pm on Saturday, and within a couple of hours, she was tragically gone. 

Elizabeth's dedication to teaching young children about Jesus, even during challenging times, was highlighted in a One Life Church video from October.

Nick and Elizabeth's Aunt Kristine Hackney revealed that the 28-year-old mother and wife had faced struggles since the passing of her brother nearly two years ago at the age of 27. 

Nick claimed, “28 was a big number for her because it was something that he never got to accomplish,” .

Hackney added, "I think it was bittersweet a little bit, but she knew she had to celebrate life because God put that hope in her heart of them being reunited one day."

A fundraiser organized by Julia Bourque on behalf of Nicholas McAloon through GoFundMe has been initiated. The campaign has successfully raised $40,170 USD, surpassing its initial goal of $40,000.