2 men sentenced to 7 years in prison for fatal street race in Avondale

PHOENIX — Two men who killed a 32-year-old while street racing in the West Valley were sentenced last week to seven years in prison, authorities announced Monday.

Jakari Barksdale, 21, and Emanuel Cervantez, 21, were sentenced on Friday for the fatal street race that occurred in May 2021, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

Although both were 17 years old when the incident occurred, they were prosecuted as adults.

Barksdale pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter and one count of aggravated assault. Cervantez pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter and one count of leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

Details on the fatal street race

Barksdale and Cervantez were racing down S. Avondale Boulevard near W. Broadway Road, surpassing speeds of 100 mph, when Barksdale’s BMW collided with a Ford F-150 that was turning through the intersection.

The impact split the truck in two and killed the 32-year-old man driving instantly.

Investigations revealed that the race was previously planned via text message. It was also recorded by bystanders.

The cell phone video and witnesses confirmed that Barksdale’s BMW and the Dodge Charger that Cervantez was driving were racing side by side when the BMW collided with the truck. Cervantez narrowly avoided the crash before fleeing from the scene.

“This wasn’t a tragic accident — it was the direct result of reckless choices and a complete disregard for human life,” County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said in the announcement.

“This case is a stark reminder that street racing is not a game; it’s a crime with deadly consequences.”

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