Man Guilty On All Charges For 2013 Route 28 Fatal Crash
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A man has been found guilty on all charges stemming from a DUI crash in 2013, which left a teenager dead.
Today was a bittersweet day for the parents of Rikki Fleming.
Billie Jo Smith and Steve Fleming held a picture of their daughter at the Allegheny County Courthouse, while speaking to reporters about the verdict for the man who took their child's life.
It had taken three-and-a-half days of testimony, including 22 witnesses.
"We're happy. We got justice for Rikki," Smith said.
Justice was given to us and we are very happy with the verdict and the judge and all the testimony," Steve Fleming said.
Snow fell at a steady pace on the night of Feb. 16, 2013. It was just after 11 p.m.
Judge Tom Flaherty called what happened that night, tragic and horrific, a criminal act, which is why he found 30-year-old Jared Schillinger guilty of all charges including, homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence and involuntary manslaughter.
The mandatory sentence is 3-6 years in prison.
"Mr. Schillinger is absolutely remorseful and apologetic and sorry and accepts responsibility," Schillinger's attorney Michael Moser said.
Schillinger's alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit when he plowed into the back of Fleming's car traveling at 75 to 80 miles per hour.
Fleming was ejected from her car, despite wearing a seat belt, and died at the scene.
"Rikki was so perfect, so perfect," Steve Fleming said.
"She was so loving, caring, bubbly. She worked for a nun convent. She took care of sick nuns ad she just loved it. She would come home and tell me stories about the nuns," Smith said.
Judge Flaherty revoked Schillinger's bail sending him directly to jail after the verdict.
He will be sentenced on Aug. 6.
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