A Mexico man was sentenced Monday for his role in a fatal drunk-driving crash that killed two and injured another driver in July.

Joshua D. Frye, 24, entered a guilty plea to driving while intoxicated resulting in the death of two persons, driving while intoxicated resulting in serious physical injury, and careless and imprudent driving resulting in an accident, according to a press release issued by Audrain County Prosecuting Attorney Jacob Shellabarger.

Frye was sentenced to 15 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for the DWI resulting in death and seven years for the DWI resulting in serious physical injury — the maximum sentence allowed for each charge. The court will retain jurisdiction while Frye completes a 120-day treatment program in the Missouri Department of Corrections. If he successfully completes the program, he may be placed on probation for 60 months. Frye also received a one-year jail sentence for the misdemeanor charge, the maximum penalty for that offense.

The charges stem from a July 12, 2025, crash on Business 54 in Mexico. According to the Mexico Public Safety Department, Frye was driving a 2016 Kia southbound at a high rate of speed when he lost control on a curve and crossed the center line, colliding with a northbound 2012 Chrysler. Two passengers in Frye’s vehicle, Kristian Pritchett, 22, and Austin Terry, 27, were killed. The driver of the Chrysler, Elliot Kitson, 29, sustained serious injuries.

Frye, who was also seriously injured, has remained incarcerated in the Audrain County Jail since the crash.

“Joshua Frye’s decision to drive recklessly while intoxicated on both drugs and alcohol caused the deaths of two people and changed another person’s life forever,” Shellabarger said. “Austin Terry and Kristian Pritchett should not have died. Frye alone is responsible for their deaths and will face the maximum punishment if he fails to complete the Department of Corrections treatment program and comply with strict probation conditions.”

During sentencing, family members of the victims spoke in court, expressing their grief and opposition to the plea agreement. They urged the court to impose the maximum punishment, noting that Frye will have the chance to live his life while their loved ones will not.

“This guilty plea means Joshua Frye has admitted what he did — his actions killed Austin and Kristian and seriously injured another man,” Shellabarger said. “Accountability comes in many forms, and this sentence sends a strong message that driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and driving recklessly, have devastating consequences. Although Frye has no prior criminal history, his plea to all three charges could result in up to 15 years in prison if he fails to meet the conditions of probation.”