FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - A woman convicted of hitting a family of three while under the influence has been sentenced to 30 years behind bars.
Forty-two-year-old Jessica Crane testified in court on Friday after being convicted of driving into a pregnant mother and her two children in Miramar back in May 2016.
Michelle James’ unborn child died as a result. Her children suffered broken bones.
For the first time in more than two years, the emotional and heartbroken mother faced Crane in court during her sentencing.
“It’s not fair. I want to hold my baby and I wanted to meet him, and I wanted to see him, and I wanted to walk with my baby,” James said as she held back tears.
Officials said Crane’s blood alcohol level at the time of the crash was three times the legal limit.
“I haven’t had the chance to grieve my baby boy because I’ve been taking care of my other babies,” an emotional James said.
Crane was behind the wheel of the car that slammed into the family as they stood at a bus stop.
She tried to flee right after, but witnesses were able to track her down and hold her until police arrived.
Crane offered an apology in court on Friday.
“I want to apologize for that day,” she said. “I know I took your son, and I’m not a bad person, I’m really not. Where I went wrong that day was that I didn’t say no to that first drink.”
The victim told Crane that she forgave her.
A judge sentenced Crane to three decades in prison after eight hours of testimony from both Crane and the victim.
“I’m going to sentence you to 30 years in Florida State Prison,” the judge said.
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