Redmond man gets 9 years in crash that killed stepdaughter, 7

A Redmond man at the wheel of an SUV that crashed on Highway 97 north of Bend last year, killing his 7-year-old stepdaughter, pleaded guilty to reduced charges Thursday and received a 9-year prison term and a lifetime driver’s license suspension.

William Fix, 33, pleaded guilty and was sentenced for drinking and reckless driving in the Sept. 6, 2014 crash that killed Phoenix Price and critically injured two of the other four girls in the Chevy Suburban.

Fix was convicted of criminally negligent homicide, two counts of third-degree assault, two counts of fourth-degree assault and one count of DUII.

Deschutes County Circuit Judge Alta Brady sentenced Fix to serve 108 months in prison and his driver’s license was suspended for life.

Fix lost control of his SUV while driving home from a child’s birthday party in Bend. The Suburban rolled off the road and struck a rock outcropping. Phoenix Price was killed immediately. The other four children injured in the crash ranged in age from 7 to 14 years-old, including Fix’s daughter.

The plea agreement was reached about two weeks before Fix was slated to go on trial on manslaughter and other charges, on Oct. 13. District Attorney John Hummel said the long sentence reflects the number of victims.

“Mr. Fix loved Phoenix, and will likely not go a day without thinking of her for as long as he lives,” Hummel said. “But his pain cannot be the only punishment he receives.”

“When people injure and kill in Deschutes County because of decisions they make to get behind the wheel of a car, they will be held accountable by your district attorney’s office,” Hummel said. ” Mr. Fix earned his time in prison.”

Several family members spoke during the sentencing hearing, including Fix’s daughter and wife, his daughter’s mother and the father of his stepdaughter.

Hummel said Fix also spoke to the court, accepting responsibility, and said when he is released from prison, he will speak publicly to community members about the importance of protecting children by not driving impaired.

Hummel said: “Any assault or homicide is difficult for our community to stomach. But when a case involves five young and inspiring kids, it’s particularly difficult.

“Our hearts go out to Phoenix’s family and the families of the surviving children. They were in the thoughts and hearts of the investigating officers and attorneys during every step of this process. We wish them the best as they recover from this horrific experience.”