Daniel Rawlings and his wife, Lacey Rawlings, received probation after their actions led to the deaths of two of their children and their niece. The sentencing came down after their surviving children asked that they not be sent to prison.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) Nelly and Dallan Rawlings walked up to a podium in a crowded Gila County courtroom and asked a judge to let their parents stay home with them. Nelly said her dad, Daniel Rawlings, is a hard-working man who wants the best for his family.
The children’s two siblings 5-year-old Colby and 6-year-old Willa and their cousin, 5-year-old Austin, died after the Rawlings drove the family into Tonto Creek the day after Thanksgiving in 2019. The couple disregarded signs and barricades that told motorists not to cross.