ARLINGTON, Texas — Nathan Vaughan, a 34-year-old resident, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter and collision involving death.
Vaughan was driving a silver Chevy Malibu along East Lamar Boulevard in Arlington late on December 15, 2024, when his vehicle swerved off the road, striking and killing two pedestrians, 23-year-old Kiara Valdez and 22-year-old Jahlil Kirkland, on the sidewalk.
Vaughan then drove away without stopping to assist or provide medical attention to the victims, according to the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office.
A tipster provided information leading to the location of Vaughan’s vehicle, and ultimately identifying him. Upon questioning, Vaughan said he thought he had hit a utility pole.
At the time of the crash, Vaughan was out on bond in a separate DWI and possession of a controlled substance charges.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Lisa Callaghan and Kole Read, with Darran Gabbert serving as the investigator and Elizabeth Garcia as the victim coordinator. The Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office expressed gratitude to the Arlington Police Department for their work on the case and their commitment to community safety.