Drunk Driver Accused Of Killing Woman On Rt. 28 Gets 4-8 Years
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – It was two years ago when a drunk driver killed an 18-year-old woman on Route 28.
Today that driver was sentenced.
The parents of Rikki Fleming were back in a familiar hallway at the Allegheny County courthouse, once again holding the picture of their daughter who was killed by a drunk driver, she was 18 years old.
"I never lose sight of her, not one day ever or stop thinking of my baby," said Steve Fleming.
It was Feb. 16, 2013, just after 11 p.m. on Route 28 in O'Hara Township. Snow was falling at a steady pace.
It was then when Jared Schillinger, who was 28 at the time, hit the back of Fleming's car so hard it ejected her even though she was wearing a seatbelt. She died at the scene.
Schillinger was traveling 75 to 80 miles an hour and was drunk.
Back in May, Judge Tom Flaherty called what happened a criminal act and found Schillinger guilty of all charges, including homicide by vehicle.
Today he was sentenced to prison.
"He got what he deserves," said Fleming. "He should have gotten more. Our family has been through a terrible, horrific ordeal and still going through it."
When Schillinger spoke to the Fleming family in the courtroom, he talked about his guilt and shame and asked for forgiveness. Fleming's mother was not moved.
"I let him talk to the picture," said Billie Jo Smith.
"I didn't want to look at him and I just put the picture up for him to look at, not me," she added. "It's about Rikki. He was drunk, he chose to drive, he killed her."
Schillinger was sentenced to 4 to 8 years in prison.
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