Mexico, MO – A 24-year-old Missouri man, who admitted to causing a head-on collision while driving drunk that killed two of his passengers, could avoid serving time in prison if he successfully completes a 120-day treatment program, according to local prosecutors. The lenient but conditional sentence has drawn criticism from the victims’ families, who say justice has not been served.
The Incident: Fatal Head-On Collision Caused by Drunk Driving
The crash occurred on July 12, 2024, when Joshua Frye, of Mexico, Missouri, was driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs on the wrong side of South Clark Street, roughly 40 miles northwest of Columbia.
According to court documents, Frye was traveling too fast for conditions, lost control of his Kia Soul, and veered into an oncoming lane, striking a northbound Chrysler head-on just before 6:30 a.m.
The collision killed Frye’s passengers, Kristian Pritchett, 22, and Austin Terry, 27, both from the local area. A third passenger, Elliot Kitson, 29, suffered serious injuries but survived.
The driver of the other vehicle told investigators that Frye’s car crossed the centerline on a curve before slamming into his vehicle. Officers reported that Frye smelled strongly of alcohol, admitted to drinking, and had multiple open containers inside the car.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
A probable cause statement and press release from the Mexico Department of Public Safety detailed that Frye’s actions were the result of reckless intoxication. Prosecutors classified the charges as forms of “criminal negligence”, emphasizing that Frye endangered the life and limb of others by driving while impaired.
After the crash, Frye was hospitalized for his own severe injuries and later taken into custody once medically cleared. Authorities confirmed he had no prior criminal record, though they noted his high level of intoxication contributed directly to the deadly collision.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
On October 14, 2025, Frye pleaded guilty to:
- Driving while intoxicated resulting in the death of two or more people,
- Driving while intoxicated causing serious injury, and
- Reckless driving.
Audrain County Prosecutor Jacob Shellabarger announced the court’s sentencing decision on Monday. Frye received 15 years for the fatal DWI charge, 7 years for the injury-related charge, and 1 year for reckless driving — but all sentences will be served concurrently and suspended pending his participation in the Missouri Department of Corrections’ 120-day treatment program.
If Frye completes the program successfully, he will be placed on five years of supervised probation rather than sent to prison. If he fails, the full 15-year sentence will be reinstated.
Family Reactions: Outrage Over Lenient Sentence
The families of the victims — Kristian Pritchett and Austin Terry — expressed anger and disbelief over the plea deal during Frye’s sentencing hearing.
“The victims’ families spoke at sentencing, indicating they wanted Frye to face the maximum possible punishment,” Prosecutor Shellabarger said. “They will never see their family members again, and it was unjust that Frye would get to walk free again.”
Family members pleaded for a harsher sentence, arguing that the conditional deal allowed Frye to escape full accountability. Despite their objections, the judge upheld the plea agreement, citing the defendant’s lack of a prior criminal history.
Prosecutor’s Defense of the Plea Deal
Prosecutor Shellabarger defended the outcome, saying the sentence still carries strict consequences and a clear warning to others.
“Joshua Frye’s decision to drive recklessly, while intoxicated on both drugs and alcohol, caused the death of two people and changed the life of another,” Shellabarger said.
“Austin Terry and Kristian Pritchett should not have died. Joshua Frye is solely responsible for their deaths and will face the maximum punishment if he fails to complete the treatment program.”
The prosecutor emphasized that “accountability comes in many forms”, suggesting that supervised rehabilitation, followed by probation, could still serve as justice if it prevents future tragedies caused by impaired driving.
Background Context: Missouri’s Treatment Program Option
Under Missouri law, judges may order certain offenders into a 120-day institutional treatment program in lieu of prison time. The program focuses on drug and alcohol rehabilitation while maintaining strict supervision. Successful completion often leads to probation, while failure results in the activation of the original prison sentence.
Critics argue that such leniency in fatal DUI cases undermines the justice system and fails to deliver closure to victims’ families. However, supporters say the approach targets the root causes of impaired driving — addiction and substance misuse.
Ongoing Developments and Public Response
Frye remains under the custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections while beginning his treatment program. The victims’ families have vowed to monitor the case closely and advocate for tougher DWI sentencing laws across the state.
Community members in Mexico, Missouri, have also called for awareness campaigns about the dangers of driving under the influence, noting that two young lives were lost needlessly.
Conclusion
The case of Joshua Frye highlights the tension between rehabilitation and punishment in fatal DWI cases. As Frye begins his 120-day treatment program, the families of Austin Terry and Kristian Pritchett continue to seek justice and hope that their loved ones’ deaths serve as a warning about the devastating consequences of drunk driving.
What are your thoughts on this case and Missouri’s sentencing decision? Share your opinions in the comments below.
