Actions

Navajo County authorities investigate deadly hit-and-run case

Governor Ducey signs 'Pam's Law' to increase penalties for serious crashes
Family wants tougher penalties after woman was hit and killed in Chandler
Posted
and last updated

The Navajo County Sheriff's Office is investigating a hit-and-run crash that killed a woman from Heber/Overgaard.

Sheriff's officials say 56-year-old Candy Bitzin was found dead on a road Tuesday night after apparently being struck by a car. 

They say a 32-year-old Sun City woman who has a revoked driver's license for impaired driving is being questioned in the case.

A Heber/Overgaard resident says her stepdaughter reported hitting something on the road.

FULL SECTION: Operation safe roads 

Sheriff's deputies have interviewed the suspect, who admitted to drinking alcohol before driving that night.

They obtained a warrant to collect a blood sample and search the vehicle for evidence.

Deputies say the car has extensive front-end damage and hair is embedded in the windshield.

The county Attorney's Office will determine if charges will be filed in the case.

On Monday, Governor Doug Ducey signed a bill that increases penalties for car crashes involving serious injuries or death.

The law, often referred to as “Pam’s Law,” is named after Pamela Hesselbacher who was killed while crossing a Chandler street with her two small children in 2016. 

Gov. Ducey says due to “poorly drafted laws,” the driver, William Epperlein, escaped prison time for the incident.