Lancaster, Pennsylvania Lancaster County prosecutors found a Lancaster woman guilty of causing a high-speed DUI crash in 2021 that killed her 12-year-old son and critically injured two others. The woman was sentenced to nine to 22 years in state prison on Thursday.
Earlier this week, Jennifer Cheri Johnson, 39, of the 600 block of 4th Street, was found guilty on several offenses, including endangering the welfare of children, homicide by vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, and aggravated assault by vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. On February 23, 2021, the collision happened close to the intersection of Keller Avenue and Lititz Pike.
Johnson was driving more than two and a half times the posted speed limit when her automobile fishtailed into oncoming traffic and struck head-on with another vehicle, according to the prosecution. Johnson’s blood alcohol content was.262%, more than three times the legal limit. Hours later, her kid passed away from blunt force injuries and an aortic tear while unrestrained in the front passenger seat. The other car’s two occupants suffered serious injuries.
President Judge David Ashworth stated during the sentencing that Johnson’s choice to operate a vehicle while very intoxicated rendered it a weapon. Judge Ashworth emphasized the seriousness of her acts while giving her credit for 19 months of house arrest before punishment.
Citing Johnson’s history of two previous DUIs and outlining the terrible effects her decisions had on her family and the other victims, Assistant District Attorney Kyle Linardo asked for a severe punishment. Linardo claimed that although her son asked for the security of a mother’s love in his last hours, she was unable to provide it because of her incapacity.
In court, Johnson expressed grief for her son’s passing and shock at her own survival. Given her history of substance misuse and mental health issues, as well as the fact that she is the mother of three surviving girls, her family requested leniency.
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