AKRON -- The driver who struck and killed two teens who were walking along a Coventry Township road last year was sentenced to six years behind bars Friday.
Natasha Boggs, 25, previously pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, vehicular assault and attempted tampering with evidence. In exchange, two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, along with various other charges, were dropped.
Boggs was sentenced to the jury's recommendation of six years in prison, though the maximum possible sentence was nine years. Boggs' license was also suspended for five years.
Boggs was driving on South Main Street on May 28, 2017 when her car crossed the marked lanes and struck three teens who were walking northbound. Taylor Galloway and Amber Thoma, both 14, were killed. A 15-year-old boy also suffered serious injuries while a fourth teen was unharmed.
Boggs gave a tearful apology when offered a chance to speak.
"I just want to say that I'm truly sorry," Boggs said. "I never meant for any of this to happen. I pray for these kids every day. I know you guys can't forgive me now and I can't forgive myself. I'm just hoping one day that you guys will actually be able to forgive me. I'm truly sorry."
Galloway's family also read tearful statements before the emotional court.
"She stood at the scene and deleted stuff from her phone while my child lay dying on the side of the road," her father said.
"Nine years is the max that Natasha can serve, but Taylor's sentence is forever," Galloway's mother added.
The prosecutor said Boggs had a history of driving violations, including two crashes within a year. He also said that Boggs was texting at the time of the incident, though Boggs' defense denied that.
Boggs' attorney argued that Boggs was not under the influence and was not speeding at the time of the incident.