The 88-year-old Canton woman who accidentally ran down a young girl at a Stoughton crosswalk on Route 138 on June 13 has been ordered to serve six years of probation and pay a $200 fine for the 4-year-old’ s death. Isle Horn had pleaded guilty to the charge of Massachusetts motor vehicle homicide.
The Stoughton pedestrian accident happened as 4-year-old Diya Patel, her grandfather, sister, and brother were crossing the street. Horn is accused of hitting the girl with her vehicle. Diya’s body was thrown 62-feet into the air.
Prosecutors contend that the elderly driver didn’t try to slow down or step on the brakes and that Diya was visible about 375 feet before Horn struck her with her vehicle. They had asked that Horn serve a minimum probation of 15 years. Horn is barred from ever driving again. She lives in a Canton nursing home.
Horn was also behind the wheel on September 14, 1992 when she and her husband were involved in a fatal car crash. She reportedly fell asleep while driving and her 73-year-old husband, Charles, died from fatal chest injuries.
Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Homicide
The charge of motor vehicle homicide is a serious criminal offense in Massachusetts. The felony charge usually involves negligent or reckless operation while under the influence of alcohol or drugs resulting in another person’s death. To charge someone with misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide, prosecutors need to prove that either alcohol or drugs were involved or the motorist was operating recklessly or negligently.
A conviction for either charge usually results in jail time.
If you have been charged with Boston motor vehicle homicide, there may be reasons why the charges should be dropped or reduced. An experienced Boston criminal defense lawyer may also be able to help you reach a plea agreement resulting in a less harsh sentence.
End of road for driver, 88, Boston Herald, August 7, 2009
Elderly Mass. driver pleads guilty in girl’s death, Newsday, August 6, 2009
Related Web Resources:
Read the court statement from the case
Motor Vehicle Homicide, Massachusetts General Laws
Contact our Boston motor vehicle homicide lawyers today.