Repeat DUI offender sentenced for killing motorcyclist in crash at speeds above 100 mph

APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) — A man has learned his fate for a deadly crash that occurred on U.S. 60 in Apache Junction last year.

Joel Stephan Goble, 40, was sentenced to 22 years in prison for second-degree murder and seven years of probation for his involvement in the deadly crash.

The crash happened on Oct. 5, 2024. Authorities said Goble was drinking at multiple locations before he got into his truck and sped down U.S. 60 at more than 100 mph.

The 40-year-old then slammed into the back of motorcyclist Darrel Evans, east of Idaho Road. The force from the crash caused Evans and the bike to be pinned against the truck’s grill.

Goble ended up dragging Evans’ body for a quarter mile while the motorcycle caught fire.

Authorities said Goble then got off the freeway at Idaho Road, where an Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper going the other way saw the truck’s headlight out and flames coming from underneath the truck.

Goble stopped at a Chevron just north of the freeway, where he was seen on surveillance video getting out of his truck and trying to get Evans and the motorcycle out of the truck’s grill.

The trooper spotted Goble driving away from the gas station before pulling him over and taking him into custody at a nearby RV park.

Several hours after the crash, Goble’s blood alcohol content was at .132, authorities noted.

A Pinal County jury convicted Goble earlier this year of murder and leaving the scene of that fatal collision.

“This was not an accident — this was a preventable tragedy fueled by reckless choices and repeated disregard for the law," Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller said. “The defendant’s history of impaired driving, combined with his callous decision to flee while a man lay dying on the roadway, shows the very worst kind of danger to our community. The conviction delivers justice for the victim and his loved ones, and it sends a clear message: Pinal County will not tolerate repeat offenders who choose to endanger innocent lives.”

Prosecutor Stephen Bridger echoed Miller’s message, saying, “This case highlights the importance of holding repeat DUI offenders accountable. This defendant had multiple prior DUI convictions, and even had warrants for his arrest stemming from yet another DUI just prior to this collision.”

Miller said while nothing can undo the loss of life and suffering, the office hopes the verdict brings some measure of accountability and peace for the family.