JACKSON, OHIO: An Ohio driver distracted by a text message when he caused a fatal crash has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison.
A judge in southern Ohio’s Jackson County sentenced 31-year-old Christopher Haines Wednesday. He previously pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide.
Prosecutors said 10-year-old Angel McGinnis died when Haines crashed into the rear of a car driven by her mother on Dec. 17, 2010. The impact pushed the car into approaching traffic, where it was hit by another car.
The Columbus Dispatch reports Haines was looking at a text message on his phone when the crash occurred. He originally was also accused of driving under the influence of drugs.
Haines also pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular assault for injuries suffered by the girl’s mother and younger brother.
