Fix

A Redmond man was indicted by grand jury on Monday on several charges following a Sept. 26 vehicle crash that killed his 7-year-old stepdaughter and injured four other girls, including his 14-year-old daughter.

William Fix, 32, appeared by video from the Deschutes County jail, where he has been held since Sept. 27.

Fix was indicted on charges of first-degree manslaughter, two counts each of second-degree assault and fourth-degree assault, and driving under the influence of intoxicants, according to the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office.

Fix is expected to enter a plea in Deschutes County Circuit Court at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 20.

District Attorney Patrick Flaherty, who is prosecuting the case, could not be reached for comment. Deputy District Attorney Evander McIver appeared at arraignment Monday.

On Sept. 29, Deschutes County Circuit Judge Michael Adler set bail at $500,000 and required that if released, Fix was not to consume alcohol, go to bars or contact the four injured girls.

At about 7 p.m. on Sept. 26, Fix lost control of his 1997 Chevrolet Suburban while traveling north on U.S. Highway 97 between Bend and Redmond in a reckless manner and struck a rock embankment, according to Oregon State Police. The vehicle came to rest on its side.

Fix’s stepdaughter, 7-year-old Phoenix Price, died at the scene of the crash, according to Oregon State Police. A memorial service was held Saturday in her honor at M.A. Lynch Elementary School, where she was a student in the second grade.

Naomi Spansel, 14, and Olivia Jeanes, 10, were critically injured in the crash and transferred to Portland-area hospitals after being taken to St. Charles Bend.

Naomi remains in critical condition at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center’s Randall Children’s Hospital, while Olivia was in serious condition at Oregon Health & Science University Hospital on Monday, according to hospital spokesmen.

Fix’s daughter, Valon Fix, 14, and Izzabella Robbins, 7, were taken to St. Charles Redmond after the crash and were released after being treated for serious and minor injuries, according to The Bulletin archives.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, said OSP Lt. Gregg Hastings.

— Reporter: 541-383-0376, cwithycombe@bendbulletin.com