The driver who caused a six-car pile-up in Elyria in January 2017 resulting in the death of a 6-year-old girl was sentenced on Wednesday.
Donald Buchs was charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, aggravated vehicular assault, vehicular assault and OVI in June 2017. Police say Buchs was under the influence of marijuana at the time of the crash.
Alia Bailey, the 6-year-old who died, and her mother Nancy Burnett were in their red Ford Explorer at the Route 57 and Cleveland intersection in Elyria when a truck, driven by Buchs, plowed into them. The Ford F-350 hit with such force, Ali and her mom went flying into the intersection, hitting other cars.
Buchs was sentenced to 11 years in prison and a 15-year driver's license suspension upon release, according to a bailiff from the Lorain County Common Pleas Court. Buchs also has to pay $14,284.54 to Burnett for funeral expenses for her daughter. Burnett will also receive an additional $765 for medical expenses.
