Teen Driver Sentenced for Killing Jogger

A southeastern Pennsylvania teen is headed to state prison after admitting that he was driving under the influence of marijuana when he struck and killed a female jogger.

Nineteen-year-old Justin Jackson of Lower Pottsgrove was sentenced to three to 10 years behind bars after pleading guilty Friday in Montgomery County Court to homicide-by-vehicle while DUI.

Authorities say 40-year-old Merinda Thompson of Royersford was jogging along North Lewis Road on March 4, 2013 when Jackson's car crossed over lanes and into the shoulder of the road, striking her from behind.

Thompson was thrown into a nearby parking lot and killed.

"This is after he has to driven one fellow off the road who had to evade him because he was coming into his lane," Asst. District Attorney Kevin Steele told NBC10 last year.

Police say Jackson didn't stop after the crash, but kept driving in the opposite direction of traffic until he struck a utility pole.

Investigators found marijuana and a pipe inside Jackson's car. Authorities also determined the teen was texting a friend when he lost control of the car.

Prosecutor Jason Whalley said the victim's two young sons will grow up without a mother because of Jackson's foolish and selfish actions.

Jackson apologized to Thompson's family, saying he was deeply sorry for the tragedy and he's ashamed of his actions.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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