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Palmdale man pleads not guilty in suspected DUI crash that killed three

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Victims Michelle Maxie, 36, and Anaya Clayton, 2, both of Arizona, and Maisha Garrett, 37, of Paramount, all were passengers in the Eric Johnson’s Ford Escape when it collided with a Honda Accord around 9:19 p.m. on Sunday, June 19, near Avenue D and the Antelope Valley Freeway. [Photo by LUIS MEZA]
Victims Michelle Maxie, 36, and Anaya Clayton, 2, both of Arizona, and Maisha Garrett, 37, of Paramount, all were passengers in the Eric Johnson’s Ford Escape when it collided with a Honda Accord around 9:19 p.m. on Sunday, June 19, near Avenue D and the Antelope Valley Freeway. [Photo by LUIS MEZA]
LANCASTER – A Palmdale man pleaded not guilty Friday to murder and other charges stemming from a June 19 crash that killed a 2-year-old girl and two women just outside Lancaster, near Edwards Air Force Base.

Eric Deshawn Johnson, 38, is charged with three counts of murder and one count of driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage causing injury, along with a misdemeanor count of driving when his driving privilege was revoked or suspended.

The charges stem from the deaths of 2-year-old Anaya Clayton, and Michelle Maxie, 36, both of Arizona, and Maisha Garrett, 37, of Paramount, who were passengers in Johnson’s Ford Explorer when it crashed into a Honda Accord near Avenue D and the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway.

The Accord’s driver was injured in the crash, but survived, said Deputy District Attorney Sun Chung.
Johnson was arrested the same day by California Highway Patrol and has remained in jail since then.
He is due back in a Lancaster courtroom Jan. 18 for a hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to require him to stand trial.

Johnson could face up to 45 years to life in state prison if convicted as charged, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Previous related stories:

Palmdale man charged with murder for triple-fatal crash

2 women, toddler killed in AV traffic crash

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Filed Under: Crime/ Safety

3 comments for "Palmdale man pleads not guilty in suspected DUI crash that killed three"

  1. This numbnuts is charged with murder which means he had a prior DUI. People do yourself a favor and your love ones, do not drink and drive. I hope he gets the max time.

  2. This is why I wouldn’t let my recent family members leave they were too drunk to drive. He was mad irate n passed but I told him no I’m saving so mine’s life who chooses not to drink n drive.. I don’t care how mad they get sorry no driving drunk… sometimes we just can’t always be there too stop them rip…to those killed

  3. drunk drivers should only be allowed to drive a child moleste, rapist,and children abusers [removed]