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Friends: Driver reached for phone
Killed in the March 13, 2007, crash was Hope Maley, 16, of Waynesburg, who was on her way to visit her father on Smith Creek Road when the accident occurred about 9 p.m.
Maley, who would have turned 17 the following day, was pronounced dead at the scene by Greene County Deputy Coroner Mary Lewis.
Among the 15 witnesses to testify during the first day of Moore's trial were Shana Puthuff and Shadoe Martin, both 20 and of Waynesburg.
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Puthuff said Moore told her the accident happened when she was "reaching for a phone call from Shadoe," and Martin said Moore told her "she was reaching for the cell phone when I called."
Moore, of 135 W. Lincoln St., was seriously injured in the accident and was taken by medical helicopter to the Pittsburgh hospital.
Trooper John Pash testified he was able to interview Moore briefly at the accident scene.
"I spoke to her in her vehicle, and she said she didn't remember what happened other than she came around a bend and got hit," Pash related.
However, two weeks later, Pash interviewed Moore in Magee-Women's and she said she was going through a curve and saw a car coming at her. "She said she did not know how fast she was going and that she did not try to use a cell phone," Pash said.
Moore is facing charges of homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, homicide by vehicle and other traffic-related offenses, including speeding and reckless driving.
The cell phone issue dominated much of the afternoon testimony.
Trooper Donald Lucas of the state police's computer crime unit, said he was able to pull data from Moore's cell phone, including images, text messages and call history.
Also included among the information taken from the phone was a list of contacts a caller programs into a phone. The call history shows dates and times of calls received, dates and times of outgoing calls, duration of the calls and calls that go to voice mail.
Lucas and Daniel Paull, a store manager for Verizon Wireless in Uniontown, responded to numerous prosecution questions regarding pages of calls made from Moore's phone on March 13, 2007.
The information included calls and text messages from a trip Moore and Brandon Louden of Blacksville, W.Va., made earlier that day to Uniontown Mall, many of which were to and from someone named Rumbaugh. The activity began about 6 p.m. until Moore took Louden to work at Mt. Morris Truck Stop between 8 and 9 p.m.
The phone records also confirm that Moore used her cell phone 20 seconds after 9 p.m. and that a call from Shadoe Martin went unanswered at 25 seconds after 9:01 p.m.
Also testifying before Judge William Nalitz was Hope Maley's mother, Darlene.
Darlene Maley recounted the activities of her daughter that day and then told the jury of later going to an auto body shop where her daughter's car was.
"I just wanted to get some of Hope's personal belongings," she said.
The owner's son gave her a cell phone but it did not have a battery. When she bought one the next day, Darlene Maley discovered it was not her daughter's phone, but one belonging to Moore. State police subsequently obtained a search warrant for that phone.
The day began when Greene County District Attorney Marjorie Fox made it clear to the jury that sympathy should play no part in deciding the outcome in Moore's vehicular homicide trial.
In her opening remarks, Fox said the charges against Moore are necessary because "a life was lost as the result of Britnee Moore's actions, actions which were homicidal," Fox said.
"Driving is an adult action that comes with adult responsibility," Fox said, and on this night, "the defendant was speeding up a dark and winding road and became distracted while trying to answer a cell phone."
Moore's attorney, Mike Bigley, countered by saying there is a "disagreement about the speed," which he said, will be subject to interpretation. And he said, "we do not agree the actions arose to the level of criminal conduct."
The trial will continue today at 8:30 a.m.
accident : 6/2/2009
now this is the true meaning of the word accident this young girl suffered enough if anything she should have her license revoked for 10 years not no jail time wake up people i understand a life was lost but her getting in alot of trouble isnt going to bring the deceased back if it occured differently then maybe this is a true accident if she was on the phone that is even a difference but she reached for it its a instinct god bless ALL famlies and freiends involed
: 6/2/2009
Thanks to the OR for keeping us all updated!
Accident : 6/2/2009
Law enforcement is down now the courts need to make people responsible for their action young or old. Jail time might not bring the deceased back but it might keep that next person from searching their the car for the ringing cellphone or just using it. everyday I see people running stop signs and cutting peolple off. It gets old after a while.
No accident! : 6/2/2009
Just because she was injured doesn't mean she should get off the hook for this! Marjorie Fox nailed it right on the head. Driving is an adult action that comes with adult responsibility. I see too many kids texting while they are driving (and speeding, of course). I've had to swerve a couple times to avoid being sideswiped by them. A young girl is dead because of her negligent actions. She needs to do some jail time. Maybe this will send a message to other teenagers as well.
Up the age : 6/2/2009
I think its time to move the age of a driver to 18. It is clear here that these teenages (and even some adults) cannot handle the responsibility of operating a motor vehicle. They should have their permit at 16, giving them 2 years to learn the practice of driving under adult supervision.
Revoking your teaching license : 6/2/2009
I think it is time to revoke your teaching license. It is embarrassing to see an adult spell teenagers incorrectly
sad situation : 6/2/2009
One life is lost, and another life could be wasted if this young lady is sent to prison. No one gains from it. I believe it was truly an accident and she should have penalties imposed upon her. I don't believe prison is the answer though. I would hope that people see this as an accident and laws be changed and maybe it's time that the cell phone companies be involved with getting out the message of the dangers of texting while driving.
Repyl to "accident" : 6/2/2009
I would just like to say to the person who wrote "accident". Accident or not, it is not ok to take ones life because of ignorance or neglect! Also when did it become an instinct to pick up a phone or better yet reach for it while driving? A life was taken and Ms. Moore should be punished. You are responsible for your own actions and pay the consequences, therefore, she took a life and she deserves to be punished. So you want to slap her to get a slap on the wrist, what kind of message would that be sending to everyone? Oh its ok to be stupid while your driving and kill someone, you'll just get off the hook.... Don't think so! No it will not bring back the deceased, but it will hopefully get a message across to others that it is not ok! I hope the jury makes the right decision & gives the correct punishment !
: 6/2/2009
This is tragic. Two families that will never fully recover. My heart goes out to them. Cell Phones while driving should not be allowed. This is a problem with many age groups not just teens. In PA it's not illegal (should be) to use your phone while operating a moving vehicle. She may have been speeding, that has not been proven. The roads here are dark and winding, no street lights and speed limits that aren't safe for night travel. I belive it was an accident also. These girls knew each other, their brothers were friends. For 2 years now she has lived with the fact that she took a friends life and will remember that forever. To those that want her to see jail time ,I can only hope that no accidents occur within your lives. I'm sure you would think differently if it were a member of your family.
Use Your HEAD! : 6/2/2009
If we constantly allow these young adults to get away with EVERYTHING the end result will continue to be what we see on a daily basis-destructive decisions leading to a horrific end result and often without a lesson learned. My heart goes out to both parties in this case- however the young lady needs to be punished for her actions. Hopefully in the end this will open up the eyes of a lot of others to see what can happen. I have lost a loved one due to a car accident and no matter what your life is NEVER the same. I hope and pray that the example of what happened here will make a difference.
accident : 6/2/2009
I beleieve some punishment is necessary, but a long jail sentence is not going the answer. I agree the driving age needs to be increased. People who live in glass houses should not throw stones, how many of you who are commenting are guilty of answering your cell phone or adjusting the volume on your cars stereo. We all make mistakes in life, albeit not many of us make a deadly mistake.
Tragic : 6/2/2009
It is a horrible loss to loose a child. But how many people out there can honestly say they have NEVER had a distraction while driving? I doubt anyone! It could happen to any of us. Turn the tables and put yourself in the same situation, then think about it. Do you feel that you would deserve jail time for a tragic accident like this?
accident 6/2/2009 : 6/2/2009
yes, but would it be okay if it was your kid?? She seems to have no remorse and from what I have heard doesn't have any. Just another holier than thou, better than everyone else, family who doesn't care about anyone but their own kids.
Tragic Accident : 6/2/2009
I bet Marjorie Fox has never used the cell phone while driving, and you know she never ever broke the speed limit! This girl has to live with a tragic car accident death for the rest of her life. No matter what happens, nothing will bring back Hope Maley. I would love for someone to take a picture with thier cell phone of Marjorie Fox using the cell phone while driving, or one of her kids! Don't you know Marjorie Fox is above the law!!!!
Moore : 6/2/2009
When a driver is texting someone or talking on a cell phone while driving and they hit someone else, that is NOT an accident. It was a premeditated decision to NOT pay attention to driving. Also, there are allegations that high speed played a role in this wreck. People have to take responsibility for actions that harm or kill others. And the argument that a prison term "won't bring the person back" is about as lame as it can be. Do we give the same break to an ax killer because sending him or her to jail wouldn't bring back the victim?
Re: Mother of 2 : 6/2/2009
Turn the tables and put yourself in Hope's mother's situation. How would you feel if someone "accidentally" killed one of your children? Would you still feel the same way- that it was just an accident and no one should face any penalties at all? And yes, I do feel that I would deserve jailtime if I killed someone due to my inattention while driving. If Britnee was drunk there would be an uproar and all the mad MADD mothers would be pitching a fit. Instead, it was "just a cellphone" so there shouldn't be any repercussions? I don't think so. Reckless drivers deserve to face the penalties, especially if i results in vehicular manslaughter. It's a sad story for both families but it's about time that these drivers face the consequences of their actions.
What about the Facts? : 6/2/2009
Shouldn't the facts be presented before a decision is made by any of us? Remember innocent until proven guilty? This is tragic but if she is found guilty she deserves the punishment she receives.If I were Hope's parents, I would want justice for my daughter. If I were Brittnee's parents, I would want mercy for my daughter. We are all responsibile for what we do behind the wheel of a car. None of us are excused for any reason including age. Yes, the state should have laws that do not permit cell phone use while driving. But there are other distractions as well. For example, we were out of a bike ride the other day and a lady was coming into our lane because she was applying her makeup. Oh and she was a grown woman. So age has nothing to do with it. Driving is a priviledge not a right.
What about the facts!? : 6/2/2009
Driving is a priviledge not a right!?!? It's a priviledge that is paid for many times over and that makes it my right. I paid taxes on the car, I paid taxes on the gas in the car, I paid taxes on the tags...ect. Do you think back in the horse and buggy days the govt went around telling people it's a priviledge to ride a horse? Everytime lawmakers add a law to the books they should drop three other ones.
"accident" : 6/2/2009
I agree with those who call for responsibility--there seems to be little in the form of personal responsibility these days. No, you can't blame the cell phone, although I do agree that they should be OFF when someone is driving. YOU have to be responsible. YOU have to be in control of your vehicle. There are a lot of diversions out there: other drivers, road conditions, weather. We need to be as alert and responsive as we possibly can be. Yes, accidents happen. But allowing a cell phone to take one's attention away from the road and the handling of one's vehicle is not justifiable in any way. Pull off the road if the phone call is REALLY that important. Tragedy strikes every life, and it is a sad situation. But to just let someone off is a grave injustice to the victim. I believe a prison sentence is fair.
accident : 6/2/2009
This is indeed, a tragedy. However, decisions about guilt and innocence need to be based on the law-not a person's life experience. That is the kind of thinking that acquits many drunk drivers-"I've had a few too many and driven home-and I don't belong in jail-so neither does this person" has released too many to commit the same crime again and again. If she is convicted there are many options other than jail-for ex.-community service that includes public speaking about the incident
RE: MOORE : 6/2/2009
Brant, don't you know when they first put a radio in the auto it was a distraction! Good GAWD!
Tragic Accident !!!! : 6/2/2009
You know who is always on the phone while driving (pwd)? COPS.
Re: Mrs. Scapethegoat : 6/2/2009
There is a difference between Brittanee's actions and a drunk driver accident. One is legal, one is not. I DO believe there should be consequences, but not jail.
to greene county : 6/2/2009
Brittnee has not been acquitted or convicted, yet. so, maybe her actions were legal-maybe not. It is the jury who decides.
JAIL TIME!! : 6/2/2009
Put this little spoiled brat in jail!! Hope is dead. It is Miss Moore's fault. END OF DISCUSSION. Speeding, cell phone, and spoiled brat. Wake up America! Make these little brats responsible for their actions! If you are old enough to drive, you are old enough to go to jail for killing someone with that car. You know who else needs punished? Mr. and Mrs. Moore! They are the idiots who just give a 2000+ pound killing machine to an immature brat! Yes I said brat several times. It is obvious from the testimony she changed her story to try to get out of the trouble she KNEW she was in. That makes her a spoiled little brat. I hope she NEVER forgets that she is a KILLER. In addition, to the moron who wants to turn this on Marjorie Fox, that is the epitome of stupidity. She is just doing her job. If she kills someone behind the wheel while talking on the phone, I hope they prosecute to the fullest extent. Otherwise, get a life!
Tragic accident : 6/2/2009
I think everyone should go to jail. Got the phone in the car? GO TO JAIL. Out past 9pm? GO TO JAIL. IN THE BAR AND WANT A CIG? GO TO JAIL. LOOK AT JOHN MURTHA THE WRONG WAY? GO TO JAIL. If wasn't for the prisons and jails nobody in Greene County would have a job! KEEP THEM JAILS FILLED!!! THROW THE LITTLE GIRL IN JAIL!! JAIL JAIL.
RE: JAIL TIME : 6/2/2009
HEY YOU! Have you ever broke out your pre paid trac phone while driving? No not you!!! He is without sin shall cast the first stone. For you to blame Mr. and Mrs.Moore is the epitome of stupidity.
priviledge vs. right : 6/2/2009
Driving is not a right... it is a priviledge. That is why when you get a DUI, that priviledge is revoked. Stop and think, people. It is very easy for us to judge others. A car is a weapon just the same as a gun or knife or anything else. If I don't pay attention while handling a gun and shoot someone, they die. I am guilty of some form of murder. If I am jamming with the radio, talking with a passenger, applying make up, reaching for or using my cell phone, eating, checking out a yard sale as I go by, etc., not paying close attention to my driving... and ACCIDENTALLY hit and kill someone, guess what, I should be held accountable for my actions. Yes, my heart goes out to Ms. Moore and her family. But no matter what happens with the trial, at least her parents still have her and can talk with her, see her, support her. What can Ms. Maley's family do? Decorate her final resting place with pretty flowers... I think it would be a shame for Ms. Moore to spend years and years in prison. But, I do think she needs to be held accountable. Ms. Fox is doing the job we have given her... prosecuting according to the law. I am sure Ms. Fox doesn't claim to be perfect. She is just doing the job we gave her. Just the same as the police did, the same as the judge is doing, the same as the jury have to do... Let's all stop bickering and say a prayer for all involved. And a prayer for ourselves...
Re: Greene County : 6/2/2009
I think you misunderstood my example. If she was drunk and committed vehicular manslaughter there would be an uproar. Instead she was on a cell phone and committed vehicular manslaughter. While the events leading up to the accident may have been different (one legal and one not), the end result is the same and THAT does have legal consequences. I really don't care what Britnee's actions were leading up to the accident whether it was answering her cellphone, drinking or just attempting to chew bubblegum while driving. The end result is the same- someone died due to another person not paying attention while driving. It doesn't matter whether she was doing something legal or illegal. The end result broke the law and for that there must be consequences otherwise it is the same as saying that it is okay to kill people as long as it was "only an accident." I'm not convicting Britnee- that is the jury's responsibility. It is not my place to pass a verdict on her alleged actions. I am only hoping that if the facts that have surfaced so far are indeed true, the jury will come to the right conclusion and not allow yet another person to return to the roads who have proven that they can't handle the responsibility that comes with driving.
Re:Jail Time! : 6/2/2009
I guess the entire criminal and justice systems are made up of "spoiled brats"-the ones that changes their story to get out of trouble. That includes those who commit murder, rape, robbery, identity theft, and so on. Clearly you are frustrated but broad generalizations do not help you make your case.
Jail Time : 6/2/2009
That's a little harsh....
sick of spoiled : 6/2/2009
You are narrow-minded. Most accidents are a result of not paying attention to the road. Cell phones are just the newest and most visible distractions, and, easiest to prove. And, to the other posters, age had nothing to do with it. Most of us see more people driving while talking on the phone than people not talking. Old and young. What about searching the radio stations, or the addicts (nicotine) lighting cigarettes while driving? If anything, this tragic case should bring about changes that make cell phone use while driving illegal in our state.
To Jail Time!! : 6/2/2009
May the God of your soul forgive you for what you are imposing on an entire family. You should be asking for forgivenness and allow the jury to decide on this. Both families have suffered tremendously - both families have lost. One life is gone, another life will never be the same. Brittne will never be able to undo what has been done and she too had serious injuries that have made her life different! I am amazed that we can call her a "spoiled brat" because she made a mistake. She isn't a killer and this is a tragedy. God Bless both families and everyone involved in this trial
Moore : 6/2/2009
Studies have shown that simply listening to a car radio is a much lesser distraction than talking on a cell phone, or trying to answer one while allegedly driving 70 miles per hour, at night, on a winding road. Young people make mistakes. Most of those mistakes don't prove deadly to another person. But when they do, there are consequences.
jail time! : 6/2/2009
Let us at this time add the following: The "alphabet game", map reading, programming gps, disciplining your ad/hd kids, eating your extra value meal, checking your hair and make-up, loading your lip with snuff, inserting/ejecting cd's, looking at deer, etc.
Spoiled brats : 6/2/2009
What about all the spoiled adults? We live in a society that has only as one philosophy me me me.
care : 6/2/2009
I personally know Mr and Mrs Moore and I have found thru their activities they have participated in,(ie) coaching sports, cheerleading ect. they were of the utmost character. They always treated my kids with true respect.
take away : 6/2/2009
Take away her license FOREVER; she's never allowed to own or have in her possession a cell phone; she has to take care of the victim's gravestone monthly and put her on probation for the next 20 years. Yes it was an accident and if it was my child I would probably want the death penalty (in anger), but the truth of the matter is, she's not in the same category as a serial killer or homicidal maniac.
Hope's life does count : 6/2/2009
Marge Fox said it right. A car can be a weapon. Someone said she referred to it as a missle. Marge Fox is paid to protect the Common Wealth. You, me, your kids, your parents all of us should be able to drive on the roadways and arrive at their destinations safely. Hope Maley's life does count. She did nothing wrong. The young girl had an entire life ahead of her. I heard her mom say proms, high school graduation, college, being a big sister, most likely a mom, an aunt. You name it she could have done those things all but the actions of another allegedly took her life and devastated and forever changed the lives of those who love and miss Hope.
Everyone is a victim : 6/2/2009
It isn't her fault... She shouldn't be punished... She should be let go... Not to worry, the insurance companies will pay some hefty damages. After all, that is a big company paying that out, not the people who pay high insurance premiums. That will be punishment enough. Or wait, lose her driver's license. Yea, that is another good punishment. Oh wait, she can't get around to work. Nah, let her keep the license. PennDot or the township should have maintained that road better, this way it would have been safe to drive that fast. Or wait, the car shouldn't have been able to go that fast! The car makers should have handsfree devices built into every car, yea it is their fault. Wait, not the cell phone companies should offer free hands free devices... Better yet, the cell phone makers should, yea even better! See, it isn't her fault, it is everyone else's. See, we can blame this and the other 40% of auto accidents on distracted drivers on everyone else... Lets pass more laws, that will do it. Quick, how about this one. If you look under 100 you can be stopped for looking like you are distracted. While we are stopped you can have your car searched and the offending distraction impounded. Yea, that is a great law. We can call it "Britnee's Law" If we had this law it wouldn't have happened. I'm sure that phone call she was getting was very ugent. A life or death situation. Like all those calls people are taking when they are driving. I agree with the posted comparing this to a DUI driver. MADD would be all over this if she had one drink. She didn't and it was a cell phone call, just leave her go... After all, she didn't set out that day to kill someone.
cell phone : 6/2/2009
i am so sick of everyone referring to Brintnee Moore as a spoiled brat - - -I know her parents but really don't know her - - -who cares if she is spoiled or not??? my kid is spoiled - - -most kids in Greene County are spoiled and have cell phones (my 11 year old niece has had one for 2 years) the thing is this was an accident - - -we all do it - - - -none of us should - -- - Marjorie Fox's husband works for the Observer - - -wonder if he has ever taken a cell phone call while on the job??? what about her children ???? what about her???? Think about it - -- -yes it is wrong - - -no it is not against the law.......... smoking, radio, eating in the car, crying children, fighting children in the backseat - - - all distractions - - - - I justhope thejury see this for what it is - - - -A TRAGIC ACCIDENT - - - - -
JAIL TIME!! : 6/2/2009
Do you even know Brittnee and her parents or are you just going by these wonderful comments? You act at if you know them all so well. You talk as if your perfect. We are all humans and make mistakes. Do you have children? Do or did you ever let them drive? I'm sure if they had any idea that an accident would take place that night, they would have kept their daughter home. Name calling is just a nastey, tackey, and very immature way to behave don't you think??? Unless the poster of the comment is ten, is that your case, are you a child? If so carry on because you apparently don't have the brain power to act any other way. If you are an adult - grow up and act your age!!!
I knew them both : 6/3/2009
I went to school with both of these girls, and I truly believe this was an accident. She didnt do this on purpose. It is everybodys instinct to reach for a ringing cell phone, and I dont care what anybody says. Britnee isnt the only person that has been in a tragic accident where someone was killed. Leave the girl alone. Dont you think she feels bad enough? I would reach for my phone if it rang, and everyone else would to. And this is by far not her parents fault, so whoever made that comment is an idiot. You people dont even know the victims and you are making accusations against her. Leave her alone. It is not like Britnee purposely ran into Hope. IT WAS AN ACCIDENT. If it was your kids you wouldnt want them to go to jail either. Yeah a life was lost, but guess what, Britnee being in jail wont bring her back. She should have her license taken for some time, but I think she has learned from this. I mean for god's ske, she has to live with the face that she killed a girl for the rest of her life. GIVE THE GIRL A BREAK. I love how these people dont even know them and judge so easily. I graduated with Britnee. I know she is a kind-hearted person, and I am sure she feels terrible. Everywhere she goes in waynesburg she has to see people wearing the hope maley shirts and braclets, I mean come on. How would you feel? Her going to jail is not going to prevent other people from reaching for a cell phone. Had she been drunk while driving my opinion would be different, that deserves jail time, reaching for a ringing cell phone is not illegal. She just happened to reach for it at a bad time. Accidents happen everyday. And I know that Darlene, Hopes mother, lost her daughter, but she wants Britnees mother to lose her daughter to. Lets turn this around...Had it have been Hope that hit Britnee and killed her, you think Hopes mom would want Hope to get jail time, I think not. So, For all you people that think young girls are spoiled little brats because they have cars and can drive, get over yourself. Maybe the driving age should be changed. Britnee is a good hearted girl, and she didnt mean to kill Hope. Leave the girl alone. She has to live everyday with this.
: 6/3/2009
This is a flat out Witch Hunt, If Hope's mother would learn to have a little bit of forgivness in her heart all of this would not be happening. I'm not saying to forget Hope, no one ever will, but realize that we are humans and we make mistakes. Everyone of us are guilty of speeding and being distracted I don't care who you are. All of these nasty posts, and hatred for Ms. Moore are awful, I think everyone should take a look at themselves and their families and ask youself "Gee, am I perfect" The answer will be no. Have Britnee raise awarness for the loss of Hope, don't destroy her life too
Hopes life does count : 6/3/2009
To hope's life does count. Sure it does but so does the moore girls too. Yes she did a terrible thing. You shouldn't talk on a cell phone or text when you drive however we have all done it. Some call her spoiled well i'm sure hope was too. She had a car and a cell phone so i guess that makes her spoiled too. Yes its heartbreaking someone life ended it always is. Don't for a minute think the moore girl doesn't have remourse i'm sure if she could take it back she would. She never entended to kill someone that night. Sending her to jail is a bit much i believe. I am a mother of 2 and yes it wasn't my child however i think taking away her drivers license for a period of time making her do community service at perhaps a funeral home and even speaking to children about her accident would even help or be the right thing to do. If she entended to kill someone that is different however i'm sure she never entended to kill Hope.
To All : 6/4/2009
WOW! I only logged on to catch up on my news and I discovered all these blogs! I've been sitting here reading them for hours. I've never blogged before so I'm new at this, but here goes...first, you're all right in a way. This "crime" is tragic and horrific for all involved! Agreed? Next, nothing will bring Hope back regardless of the outcome of this trial--or Britnee's sentencing. I will say, I have known both girls for years, and both are outstanding young ladies--kind, friendly, involved in school and community and church, intelligent, kind. The loss of Hope is huge to all, young and old, family and acquaintances, but the tragedy of what Britnee's life has been since that night and will be after sentencing only make it a double tragedy. Two amazing lives will be destroyed, and I do know that Hope would NEVER want that, and I know that because she just was not that kind of person. Accountability? Yes. Prison? To accomplish what? New laws taking away more rights and making decisions for free Americans? At some point, to be free, we each have to accept responsibility to do what is right, responsible, and fair--we each know what is right and wrong. However, we don't always choose to listen to our own inner voice or common sense. The government won't ever change that because we're human--we do err. I would bet anything that Britnee has/is suffering and being punished within her own heart and mind far more than any other punishment could do. Personal attacks on Hope's mom, Britnee, Britnee's parents, or anyone in this instance are immature, unintelligent, and not helpful. The law shouldn't base it's sentencing on one being "a spoiled brat." Finally, would any of you seriously have Britnee do community service in a funeral home? If so, you may be able to be prosecuted for some type of homicide due to driving a child to commit suicide. Only a desensitized, uncaring, and cold person could handle that without going crazy considering the circumstances!
Still A Killer : 6/5/2009
The horrible thing about all this is that Britnee lied, to try to get out of trouble!! Does that show remorse, that she killed another human being? I think not!! Britnee is a selfish person, and I believe that jail time is necessary.
Obey the Law! : 6/7/2009
Many people are forgetting an important factor. The speed limit on the road on which the accident occurred is 45 mph. She was deemed to be driving in EXCESS of 70 mph. There IS a reason for such laws. She BROKE those laws. As a result, an innocent person is dead. Operating a motor vehicle irresponsibly and illegally is criminal and as such is deserving of harsh punishment. We are NOT talking a simple "mistake". She knowingly violated the law and now will have to face the consequences.
