Driver charged in crash killing Pinal County sheriff's son, family

Lina Portman3 weeks ago

13 1 minute read

Maricopa County prosecutors announced an indictment Thursday against Brian Torres-Perez, 22, on three counts of involuntary manslaughter in a crash that killed the Pinal County sheriff's son, the son's fiancee, Caroline Patten, and their 11 month old baby.

The Maricopa County Prosecutor's Office said excessive speed, alcohol and drugs were factors when Torres-Perez crashed his truck into a vehicle carrying the young family.

The infant was pronounced dead at the scene while Cooper Lamb and his fiancee later died at the hospital, officials said.

Cooper Lamb, who was 20 at the time of his death, was the son of Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb.

“This defendant’s reckless disregard for life devastated an entire family,” said Maricopa County Prosecutor Rachel Mitchell.

Officials said Torres-Perez was being held on $150,000 cash bail.

How the accident happened

On December 16, 2023, Gilbert police and firefighters responded to a crash at Elliot Road and Cole Drive in Gilbert.

Initial reports indicated that a silver truck driven by Torres-Perez did not appear to be speeding when it struck a red car driven by the Lamb family as they turned left to head north on Cole Drive.

Lamb was allegedly sitting in the passenger seat while Patten drove, with their 11-month-old daughter in the back seat.

As Lamb's fiancee and her daughter remained in the hospital, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office announced the connection to the victims.

“We hold on to our faith in Jesus Christ and in each other and even though we are sick and devastated, we know we will all be together again one day,” said Sheriff Mark Lamb.

Lina Portman

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