UPDATE: A driver who hit an elderly couple walking their dogs in August in western Michigan, killing one of them and one of their dogs, has been sentenced to at least two years in prison.
Kristina Ryl learned her punishment Monday after earlier reaching a plea agreement in the case. Charges included operating while intoxicated causing death and operating while intoxicated causing serious injury.
Authorities say 75-year-old Joy Gillette was walking with her 77-year-old husband when Ryl failed to negotiate a turn and went off the road.
Gillette died and her husband had serious injuries. Police say one dog died and another returned to the couple's Grand Rapids home.
Ryl said in a statement to the Gillette family that "I hope and pray this sentencing can bring you peace and comfort."
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8/24/2017: Authorities say a driver hit an elderly couple walking their dogs in western Michigan, killing one of them and one of the dogs.
The Grand Rapids Police Department says 75-year-old Joy Gillette was walking with her 77-year-old husband on Thursday night when the driver failed to negotiate a turn and went off the road. Police say Gillette was pronounced dead at a hospital and her husband was hospitalized with serious injuries.
Police say one dog died of crash injuries at the scene and the other returned to the couple's Grand Rapids home.
The vehicle ended up in a nearby ravine. Police say the 34-year-old woman who was driving and her passenger weren't injured.
The crash is under investigation, but police say alcohol may be a factor.
