Grandmother was racing grandson back from NWA when accident that killed two Scranton teens occurred on May 30
- Dennis McCaslin
- Jul 9, 2025
- 1 min read
At approximately 11:15 p.m. on May 30, a Chevrolet Camaro driven by 16-year-old Ian Phillips slammed into the rear of a Toyota RAV4 just before the Morrison Bluff Bridge. Inside were Mackenzie Arthur, 20, and her younger sister Maddie, 17, both of whom died instantly when their vehicle was thrown into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a semi-truck.
What makes the case even more alarming is that Ian was allegedly racing with his 71-year-old grandmother, Martha Phillips, who was driving a separate vehicle and reportedly clocked speeds of over 120 mph. Ian's Camaro had been purchased weeks earlier in Missouri with Martha's help--despite Ian having no license and a known history of reckless behavior.
Sources indicate the duo were racing home from Fayetteville when the crash occurred. Ian is said to have bragged online about "gapping" other vehicles--slang for leaving them far behind in races--further painting a picture of dangerous bravado.
Court documents confirm Martha is charged with two counts of manslaughter for allegedly furnishing the vehicle and encouraging the race. Ian now faces two counts of second-degree murder and remains held at the Yell County Juvenile Detention Center.
Both have a scheduled court appearance on Friday, July 11 at 9:30 a.m. Martha is free on a $250,000 bond.
On Tuesday, the online entries for Matha Phillips on Arkansas Court Connect were updated to document the service of warrant onPhillips on the Manslaughter charges.
