A 17-year-old Anderson Township girl convicted of aggravated vehicular homicide for causing a crash that killed her best friend will spend two weeks in juvenile detention and then serve a mixed sentence of community service and probation.

        The girl, who is not being named because she was charged as a juvenile, was the driver of a 1996 Mercedes Benz that crashed along East Woodruff Road in Anderson Township in January.

Schmidt

        Killed in the accident was Julia Schmidt, 16, of Westwood, a passenger in the back seat.

        The crash occurred shortly before noon as the car crested a hill on Woodruff Road. The driver lost control, and the car struck several objects before coming to rest.

        Miss Schmidt died at the scene. The driver and another teen in the car did not suffer life-threatening injuries.

        Appearing Tuesday before Hamilton County Juvenile Judge Sylvia Sieve Hendon, the teen wiped tears from her eyes as the judge handed down her sentence.

        The girl's attorney, James N. Perry, said his client accepts responsibility for the crash, but continues to dispute the prosecution's contention that the car was traveling 135 mph.

        Mr. Perry said his client's parents employed a professional surveying firm and a professional engineer to re-create the crash. Their assessments determined that the girl was traveling at 78 mph. The speed limit on that road is 35 mph.

        The girl claimed she was traveling 35-45 mph when the car went over a hill. She said she felt a “fluttering” in her stomach and attempted to slow the car. Her attorney said she stepped on the gas instead of the brake.

        Mr. Perry added that his client's father has agreed to finance up to $100,000 for a plan to produce public service announcements targeting irresponsible driving by teens.

        Judge Hendon called the plan “magnificent.” She also ordered that the announcements in some way honor not only Miss Schmidt but Kelli Ridenour and Anna DeStefano, both 13, who were killed in a 2000 hill-hopping accident in Delhi Township.

        The judge spoke privately with Miss Schmidt's family, who declined to speak in open court.

        Upon her release from juvenile detention, the teen will have to serve at least 35 hours of community service and remain on probation.

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