Pauls Valley Man Sentenced to Serve Five Years in Federal Prison for Involuntary Manslaughter From Collision Causing Deaths of Two Children

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, WILLIAM AARON DAVID PATCHELL, 26, of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, was sentenced to serve sixty months in federal prison for involuntary manslaughter in Indian country, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.

Public record reflects that in July of 2019, Patchell was driving on a country road at more than twice the posted speed limit when he hit a family vehicle. The collision resulted in the deaths of two children, the premature birth of a third child, and extensive injuries to two adults.  An investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) determined Patchell’s vehicle was travelling more than 80 miles per hour just before the collision.  Based on the evidence collected, OHP determined Patchell’s speed caused the collision.

Patchell was initially charged in Garvin County District Court with two counts of Manslaughter in the First Degree, but the case was dismissed pursuant to McGirt v. Oklahoma on September 7, 2021.

On November 2, 2021, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Patchell for involuntary manslaughter.  The case was prosecuted in federal court because the victims were members of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crime occurred within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation, and within the Western District of Oklahoma.     

On April 8, 2022, Patchell pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him with involuntary manslaughter for causing the death of the two child victims.   

Patchell was sentenced today to serve sixty months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick. Judge Wyrick also ordered that upon release from prison, Patchell must serve three years of supervised release.

This case was a result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Noble prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to court filing for further information.