Weld County woman gets 8 years probation in crash that killed off-duty Adams County deputy

Kayla Carroll pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and will have to pay restitution to the deputy's family.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A 38-year-old Weld County woman, Kayla Carroll, was sentenced to 8 years of probation after pleading guilty to vehicular homicide charges for a 2023 crash that killed an off-duty Adams County deputy, Joshua Maloy. Carroll sustained serious injuries in the crash and has ongoing medical issues, leading the judge to sentence her to probation rather than prison.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding sentencing decisions, particularly when the defendant has significant medical needs and the victim's family is deeply impacted by the loss. It raises questions about balancing accountability, public safety, and compassion in the criminal justice system.

The details

In December 2023, Kayla Carroll pleaded guilty to one charge of vehicular homicide as part of a plea deal that dismissed other charges including reckless vehicular assault, driving under restraint, and using fake license plates. Carroll was sentenced to 8 years of probation, during which she must pay restitution to the deputy's family, comply with substance abuse and mental health treatment, and have a valid driver's license if she were to drive again.

  • On Christmas Eve 2023, Carroll drove a Toyota Tundra over the median, drifted into oncoming traffic, and struck deputy Joshua Maloy's Toyota Tacoma.
  • In December 2023, Carroll pleaded guilty to one charge of vehicular homicide as part of a plea deal.
  • On Monday, Carroll was sentenced to 8 years of probation by Weld County District Court Judge Annette Kundelius.

The players

Kayla Carroll

A 38-year-old Weld County woman who pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide charges and was sentenced to 8 years of probation.

Joshua Maloy

A 31-year-old off-duty Adams County deputy who was killed in the 2023 crash.

Tori Maloy

The wife of Joshua Maloy, who expressed deep pain and trauma over the sudden loss of her husband.

Annette Kundelius

The Weld County District Court Judge who sentenced Kayla Carroll to 8 years of probation.

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What they’re saying

“My world was taken from me.”

— Tori Maloy, Deputy Joshua Maloy's wife (Greeley Tribune)

“I promise, I really am a good person.”

— Kayla Carroll (Greeley Tribune)

What’s next

The judge noted that the 8 years of probation is a longer sentence than the other option of 6 years in prison, and said she does not intend to dismiss the Maloy family's pain by sentencing Carroll to probation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the difficult balance between accountability, public safety, and compassion in the criminal justice system, particularly when the defendant has significant medical needs and the victim's family is deeply impacted by the loss.