71-Year-Old Woman Pleads Not Guilty in Logan County Crash That Killed Two Sisters

LOGAN COUNTY, Ark. — A tragic and deeply troubling crash in Logan County that claimed the lives of two young sisters has taken a new legal turn, as 71-year-old Martha Phillips has pleaded not guilty to two counts of manslaughter following her alleged role in the events leading to the fatal May 30 collision.

The crash, which occurred on State Highway 109, involved Mackenzie and Maddie Arthur, two sisters from Scranton, Arkansas, who were traveling together when their vehicle was violently rear-ended by a car driven by Ian Phillips, Martha Phillips’ 16-year-old grandson. The impact forced the sisters’ vehicle across the centerline and into the path of an oncoming semi-truck, killing both young women at the scene.

According to the Arkansas State Police (ASP), Ian Phillips was allegedly driving in excess of 150 miles per hour at the time of the crash. He did not possess a valid driver’s license, and investigators believe he was racing with his grandmother, who had allegedly purchased the high-performance sports car for him just prior to the crash while in Missouri.

Martha Phillips was arrested on June 4, several days after the incident, and booked into the Logan County Jail on two counts of manslaughter. Authorities allege that her decision to give a powerful vehicle to an unlicensed minor and participate in a dangerous high-speed race directly contributed to the deadly outcome.

On July 8, newly released court documents escalated the case. Ian Phillips, who is being charged as an adult, now faces two counts of second-degree murder, reflecting the prosecution’s belief that his actions involved a higher degree of recklessness and criminal responsibility. The documents also explicitly allege that Martha and Ian Phillips were engaged in a high-speed race at the time of the collision.

On July 11, Martha Phillips entered a plea of not guilty during her court appearance. A jury trial has been scheduled for September 26, 2025, where she will face the full weight of the charges against her.

The loss of Mackenzie and Maddie Arthur has left the Scranton community shattered. Mackenzie was a promising student at Arkansas Tech University, while Maddie was a high school senior at Scranton High School, preparing to graduate and begin her own journey. Their family, classmates, and educators continue to mourn two lives taken far too soon by what investigators say was a preventable and reckless act.

The case continues to draw widespread attention not only because of the shocking circumstances but also because of the broader issues it raises—about adult accountability, teenage recklessness, and the devastating consequences of irresponsible decisions behind the wheel.

The Arkansas State Police, in coordination with local prosecutors, continue to investigate the crash. Anyone with further information or who may have witnessed events leading up to the collision is encouraged to contact authorities.

This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as the trial approaches.

 

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *