Alex Bashaw, the driver who pleaded guilty in the deaths of four pedestrians in Fountain Hills in March 2018, has been sentenced to six years on each count, which is to be served concurrently.

Bashaw’s sentencing took place Friday afternoon, July 19, at Maricopa County Superior Court. The sentence was handed down by Judge Greg Como.

At the time of the incident, Bashaw was behind the wheel of a vehicle traveling on Saguaro Boulevard, near Panorama Drive in front of Fountain Park. The vehicle left the road and struck two pedestrian couples, both visiting Fountain Hills from out of town.

After the collision Bashaw was charged with four counts of manslaughter/reckless. He later pleaded guilty to four counts on a lesser charge of negligent homicide, a class 4 dangerous felony.

Sheriff’s investigators said Bashaw was traveling 53 miles per hour before he went off Saguaro Boulevard and between 40 and 43 miles per hour when he struck the first pedestrians.

Bashaw remained at the scene and assisted in rendering aid until firefighters arrived. He was found not impaired when tested at the scene.

Investigators also believe Bashaw was on his cell phone just prior to the collision.