Published: April 25, 2008 11:36 am         

Teen given suspended sentences for causing deaths of three friends

A Nappanee teenager who drove a car in which three of her friends were killed received three suspended sentences when she appeared in Elkhart County Circuit Court Thursday.

Erika Kemp, 17, was driving a BMW at a high rate of speed on C.R. 50, between C.R.s 1 and 3, last June 10 when she lost control, went off the road and the car hit a tree.

Three friends — Alicia Miller, 17, and her brother, Austin, 15, New Paris, and Trevor Yoder, 16, Plymouth — were killed in the crash. Justin Zimmerman, 15, Wakarusa, was injured in the crash and recovered.

Kemp also had serious injuries, but survived. She was the only occupant wearing a seat belt, police said.

Kemp was charged in juvenile court, but she was waived to adult court. She entered guilty pleas at her initial hearing Feb. 15. She appeared in the hearings with her defense attorney, Chris Walter, Nappanee.

At a standing-room-only sentencing hearing Thursday in Elkhart County Circuit Court, parents of the victims testified about their losses.

Menno Yoder asked that the girl’s license be suspended for 15 years.

Deputy Prosecutor Joel Williams also asked that her license be suspended five years for each of the victims who were killed. He said police reported the car was going 102 mph at the time of the crash. The car hit a tree sideways and severed the tree.

“Speed kills,” Williams said.

Kemp told Judge Terry Shewmaker, “I am sorry for all the pain, hurt and sorrow I have caused my family and friends. The community has shown me love and encouragement.”

“I have learned that life is precious,” she added. Kemp said she would be willing to speak to young drivers and be an example to other drivers, warning them of the dangers of speeding.

Judge Shewmaker accepted the plea agreement offered in court. He imposed three four-year sentences and one two-year term, but suspended any prison time. He imposed home detention through the Center for Community Justice and probation to follow.

He imposed a $5,000 fine, but suspended it. He suspended her driver’s license for 15 years. He ordered her to report to the Elkhart County Work Release Center within seven days.