KINGMAN – Anger, grief, bewilderment and other emotions overwhelmed Mohave County Superior Court Wednesday as a young man from Dolan Springs contemplated, but turned down a plea offer that would put him in prison for 25 years for killing two teenagers and critically injuring another in a traffic accident.

Brock Hill, 27, is charged with leaving the scene of an accident and two counts each for manslaughter, aggravated assault and driving while under the influence of alcohol. Prosecutor Rod Albright said Hill was impaired and speeding on July 25, 2020 when the pickup truck he was operating struck the trio on a quad on Pierce Ferry Road in Dolan Springs.

Killed in the collision were Jocelyn Escamilla, Las Vegas and Evelyn Arias, Dolan Springs, both 13. The 19-year-old woman whom authorities believe had been operating the quad suffered severe injuries, but survived.

Albright told Judge Lee Jantzen that his last plea offer mandates a 25-year prison sentence to resolve the case short of trial. Jantzen told the defendant he could get up to 75 years in prison if convicted of all counts by a jury.

Public Defender Robin Puchek said Hill is remorseful but that the accident victims were partly at fault for traveling too slow in a utility vehicle without proper lights or reflectors at night. Puchek noted that Hill never intended to harm anyone and that convicted, premeditated killers frequently get 25-year prison sentences.

“My biggest thing is this was an accident,” Hill told the Court. “I can’t sleep at night. This haunts me. I go through my emotional pain as well. Both parties were at fault.”

Jantzen told Hill excessive speed, impairment and leaving the scene of the deadly accident are aggravating factors that complicate his defense. Hill said he is a peaceful and docile individual and has difficulty accepting the same punishment frequently imposed for hard-core killers.

“That’s what I can’t wrap my head around,’’ Hill said. “I can’t express to the family how deeply I am sorry for their loss. My heart goes out to them.”

Puchek told the court that Hill couldn’t enter the plea and wanted a “couple more days” to think about it. Albright declined to extend the deadline and said the offer expired Wednesday afternoon.

Judge Jantzen conducted the settlement conference on behalf of Judge Judge Billy Sipe. Barring further developments, the case is set for trial before Judge Sipe on June 29.

Dave Hawkins