Indian-American woman jailed for killing man

New York, Aug 11: A 21-year old Indian-American woman was sentenced to an indeterminate two to six years in prison for killing a man while driving drunk in September last year.

Malina Singh was sentenced on August 10 for driving intoxicated and hitting and killing 34-year old Jonathon Rogers in a town in Warren County in New York state in the early morning hours of September 5, 2014, a report in the Saratogian News said.

Singh had pleaded guilty in June to second-degree vehicular manslaughter. Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen said Singh had admitted to driving intoxicated and causing the death of Rogers, who was walking along the road.

"There is simply no amount of time that can compensate for a life taken due to the defendant's senseless and criminal decision to drive drunk," Heggen said. "This case typifies the tragic consequences that can result form drunk driving – the loss not only of an innocent life but the equally devastating collateral consequences to the family and friends left behind.

"We believe this to be a fair sentence, and hope that this morning’s plea has been able to bring some element of closure and justice to the family of Rogers."

A chemical test later showed Singh, who was 20 at the time, she had a blood alcohol content of .18 per cent and she had spent the hours leading up to the crash drinking.

During the sentencing, Roger's mother Susan Miller spoke about the loss of her son and detailed how her family would never be the same.

She noted how his children have lost their father and continued to say that she could not express the devastation she feels. Singh will also be required to install an ignition interlock device on any vehicle she owns or operates for three years upon her release from prison.

PTI