Relatives of a 16-year-old St. Ursula Academy student who died in a January car crash in Anderson Township say they want the teen driver of the car tried as a juvenile.

        Julia Schmidt of Westwood was killed Jan. 18. She was a backseat passenger in a car driven by a classmate that overturned along eastbound Woodruff Road.

        The driver, a 16-year-old Anderson Township girl, will appear today before Hamilton County Juvenile Court Judge Sylvia Sieve Hendon to determine whether the case stays in juvenile court or is transferred to adult court.

        The teen, who is not being named because she is charged as a juvenile, faces one count of aggravated vehicular manslaughter.

        If convicted, she could be held in a juvenile facility until age 21.

        Miss Schmidt's father says the family prefers that the case remain in juvenile court.

        “We know (the driver) well, and based on the facts and her age ... it's not appropriate for (the girl) to be tried as an adult,” said Michael Schmidt.

        He said that he and his wife, Judy, think the driver is remorseful.

        “All people make mistakes,” Mr. Schmidt said.

        Authorities said the car was traveling too fast and had crested a hill when the driver lost control.

        The driver and a front-seat passenger suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

        They were wearing seat belts. Miss Schmidt was not wearing a seat belt, officials said.

        All were students at the East Walnut Hills private school. Miss Schmidt and the driver were good friends, Mr. Schmidt said.

        The driver and other friends of Miss Schmidt have visited her family in the hopes of maintaining their relationships.

        “We've lost our daughter, and it's very good and helpful that they come over and keep us informed and talk to us,” Mr. Schmidt said.

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