A Eureka Springs woman, driving a vehicle that resulted in the death of her occupant, has been arrested and charged with negligent homicide.
Tonya Anne Sherman, 21, was driving a Dodge Ram pickup, October 11, north of Eureka Springs on Hwy. 23, near Hwy. 187,when it went out of control, slid down an embankment and struck a tree.The passenger, Leonard Beck, 28, of HolidayIsland, was killed.The truck was also registered to Beck.Beck was not wearing a seatbelt.Both had to be extricated from the truck by rescue teams.
State Police took blood samples from both Sherman and Beck.Sherman had a blood count of .20.Sherman had also been convicted in 2007 of DWI.Negligent homicide is a Class C felony.
User Comments
Comment by
on 2010-01-23 01:22:30 This girl took my brother's life. There is a major problem with the justice system as she was convicted in 07 for dui. Apparently her penalty the first time was so hard she had to do it again. She should of lost her license the first time. Now she took my brother's life. He has two kids who now don't have a dad. I hope she sleeps well at night. Let's just hope justice is served this time. She is gonna be spending lots of lonely nights in prison. Should be for life cuz this still will not bring him back.
Comment by
on 2010-01-23 22:08:11 I believe a one-strike rule should be enforced when it comes to drinking and driving.
Comment by
on 2010-01-25 12:40:38 The Justice system here is very unfair. I am sorry for your loss. I too have a son, whom was treated unfair, in 3 different counties here in Arkansas, he never even had a drivers licence but it has been suspended in all 3 counties. In all interactions with authority figures he never once driving. So if he ever wants too get a DL in Arkansas he has too pay each county $100? Go figure...it just doesn"t ad up in my book.
Comment by
on 2010-08-28 11:49:22 Wow! People are in pain still after Leonards murder. There is no excuse for anyone to be justifing dwi and drinking and driving. Wow show some respect for the family and for Leonard! She killed him and I hope She suffers all of her life!
Comment by anonymous on 2010-01-25 08:01:30 I am so sorry for your loss. Until we get better legislation, DUI will never be treated as a very serious crime. For what it is worth, most drunks don't really care if they have a license or not - losing their license doesn't seem to be very effective.
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