Jakari Barksdale and Emanuel Cervantez have each been sentenced to seven years in prison for their roles in a fatal street racing crash that claimed the life of a 32-year-old man.
In May 2021, Barksdale and Cervantez, both 17 years old at the time, were racing in Avondale at speeds over 100 miles per hour on South Avondale Boulevard near West Broadway Road. Barksdale’s BMW struck a Ford F-150 that was turning through the intersection. The impact split the truck in two, killing the driver instantly.
The investigation revealed that the race was pre-arranged by text message and recorded by bystanders. Witnesses and cellphone video confirmed Barksdale’s BMW and a Dodge Charger, driven by Cervantez, were racing side by side when the BMW collided with the truck carrying the victim driver. Cervantez fled the scene after narrowly avoiding the crash.
“This wasn’t a tragic accident—it was the direct result of reckless choices and a complete disregard for human life,” said County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “This case is a stark reminder that street racing is not a game; it’s a crime with deadly consequences.”
Both teens were prosecuted as adults. Barksdale pleaded guilty to one count of Manslaughter, a Class Two Felony, and one count of Aggravated Assault, a Class Three Felony. Cervantez pleaded guilty to one count of Manslaughter, a Class Two Felony, and one count of Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Accident, a Class Two Felony.
