ANGOLA, IN (WTVB) – The 46-year-old woman from Montpelier, Ohio who hit two Angola youngsters last October and then drove away from the scene was ordered to spend 12 years in the Indiana Department of Corrections on Monday by Steuben County Circuit Court Judge Allen Wheat.
Hope A. Richmond entered guilty pleas to felony charges of leaving the scene of a deadly accident, leaving the scene of an injury accident, and obstruction of justice following the crash on County Road 275 North near the Lake James Golf Course.
13-year-old Wayden Bennett succumbed to his injuries and passed away at Parkview Regional Medical Center.
12-year-old Ryly Cumings was treated for a head laceration and was released from Cameron Hospital.
Richmond was taken into custody by the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department two days later after citizens provided them with an overwhelming amount of tips and information
High emotions have surrounded the case which has led to strong opinions being posted on social media.
WPTA-TV in Fort Wayne reports that before Richmond was sentenced, protesters in downtown Angola advocated for harsher punishment. The plea deal called for a maximum sentence of 14 years.
Richmond said in court during Monday’s lengthy sentencing hearing that she is not a heartless person.
Bennett’s mother Chantel told reporters afterwards Richmond deserved life and that the laws need to change. She added she had a hard time in court “facing the biggest monster that I could face.”
Bennett’s family also urged Judge Wheat to suspend Richmond’s driver’s license for life, but he suspended it for the maximum of five years.
I guess laws need to change, kill a child and only get 12 years. That is such a shame. Prayers to the Bennett family.