Woman Jailed 2 Days For Crash That Killed Minnesota Man

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (AP) — A Killdeer woman accused of causing a crash that killed a man and injured another last year has been sentenced.

Southeast Judicial District Judge John Greenwood sentenced 19-year-old Ashley Birkle to two days in jail and two years of probation after she pleaded guilty to negligent homicide and possession of alcohol as a minor.

The crash occurred on Feb. 2, 2015, on Interstate 94 near Jamestown. The Highway Patrol says Birkle's vehicle crossed the highway median and struck a pickup, killing 61-year-old David Herold, of Garfield, Minnesota, and injuring Matthew Schroeder, of Dalton, Minnesota.

Birkle told authorities she had fallen asleep. Investigators found text messages she had sent while on the road, but couldn't determine she was texting when the crash happened.

Greenwood also ordered Birkle to complete 80 hours of community service.

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