A man responsible for a deadly hit-and-run crash that killed a Tucson native has been sentenced to prison, bringing a measure of legal closure to a case that has deeply affected the victim’s family and community.
Sentencing
Travis Walker Smith was sentenced Friday, June 5, in Maricopa County Superior Court after pleading guilty to reckless manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident involving death or injury.
The judge sentenced Smith to 15 years in prison for reckless manslaughter, with 621 days credited for time already served. In addition, Smith received four years of probation for leaving the scene of the crash. That probation term will begin after he is released from prison.
Crash
The fatal crash occurred in September 2024 near the intersection of 16th Street and Camelback Road in Phoenix.
According to the Phoenix Police Department, Smith was driving a pickup truck at a high rate of speed when he ran a red light and collided with another vehicle driven by Dillon Mares, 29.
Video evidence from the scene showed severe damage to both vehicles. Mares’ car was crushed on the passenger side, while Smith’s pickup sustained heavy front-end damage.
Mares was found critically injured at the scene and later pronounced dead.
Hit-and-Run
Police said Smith did not remain at the scene after the crash. Instead, he called 911 the following day and turned himself in. However, authorities said he refused to be interviewed by detectives.
Investigators later confirmed Smith’s involvement through evidence collected during the investigation.
Victim
Dillon Mares was a Tucson native with deep ties to his community. He played high school football at Palo Verde High School before transferring to Cienega High School for his senior year, where he served as the team’s quarterback and earned the nickname “Nightmare.”
In recent years, Mares had been living in Phoenix. He was active in a local running club and worked two jobs. He had recently been promoted to team lead at Castle Biosciences.
Family Impact
Mares’ mother, Brittany Lockwood, spoke during Friday’s sentencing hearing, describing the lasting impact of her son’s death.
“There really is no justice because my son Dillon is gone,” Lockwood said. “And his killer will get out still young enough to have a full life that my son will never get to have.”
She also recalled their close relationship, noting that Mares called her every Sunday before his death.
“I’m gonna miss his voice, hearing him call me mom,” Lockwood said. “I feel so blessed that I was chosen to be his mom.”
Court Considerations
During sentencing, the judge noted Smith’s prior history of vehicular assault and substance abuse. At the same time, the court acknowledged Smith’s troubled upbringing and his acceptance of responsibility for the crash.
After weighing those factors, the judge imposed the prison sentence and probation terms.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Travis Walker Smith |
| Victim | Dillon Mares, 29 |
| Crash date | September 2024 |
| Location | 16th Street and Camelback Road, Phoenix |
| Charges | Reckless manslaughter, hit-and-run |
| Prison sentence | 15 years |
| Probation | 4 years after release |
| Credit for time served | 621 days |
| Case status | Sentenced |
The sentencing closes a criminal case that highlighted the dangers of reckless driving and the lasting consequences of leaving the scene of a crash. For Mares’ family, the loss remains profound, even as the legal process comes to an end.
FAQs
Who was sentenced in the hit-and-run case?
Travis Walker Smith was sentenced.
What sentence did he receive?
Fifteen years in prison and four years of probation.
Who was the victim?
Dillon Mares, a 29-year-old Tucson native.
Where did the crash happen?
Near 16th Street and Camelback Road in Phoenix.
Did the driver leave the scene?
Yes, he left and turned himself in the next day.
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