Thomas and Janette Oviatt die in fatal north Phoenix car crash
Fatal north Phoenix car crash claims the lives of Thomas and Janette Oviatt – Obituary
A 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a car crash last December in north Phoenix that resulted in the deaths of a retired Phoenix police officer and his wife.
Joseph A. Welch was taken into custody on July 30 and now faces manslaughter charges for his alleged role in the deadly accident on December 13, 2023.
According to court records, Welch was reportedly driving at a speed of 78 mph when he collided with the victims’ vehicle near 43rd and Dunlap avenues. Witnesses described seeing Welch weaving “in and out” of the northbound lanes before the crash occurred.
The victims, 80-year-old Thomas Oviatt, who was driving, and his wife, 79-year-old Janette Oviatt, were both fatally injured in the incident.
Family members shared with 12News that Thomas Oviatt was a military veteran who dedicated 21 years to serving with the Phoenix Police Department.
“He was always focused on helping others,” Oviatt’s son told 12News. “Being a police officer was the perfect way for him to fulfill that purpose.”
Welch has been booked into the Maricopa County jail.
Fatal north Phoenix car crash claims the lives of Thomas and Janette Oviatt – Obituary A 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a car crash last December in north Phoenix that resulted in the deaths of a retired Phoenix police officer and his wife. Joseph A. Welch was taken into custody on July…
Fatal north Phoenix car crash claims the lives of Thomas and Janette Oviatt – Obituary A 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a car crash last December in north Phoenix that resulted in the deaths of a retired Phoenix police officer and his wife. Joseph A. Welch was taken into custody on July…