AKRON, Ohio — A drunk driver who was going the wrong way on I-76 in Akron was sentenced to six to nine years in prison after she was found guilty of causing a crash that killed a Canton mother.
Jessica Skinner, 22, also had her driver's license suspended for the rest of her life at a sentencing hearing on Wednesday.
"I don't believe you're a monster, but it was a monstrous act that happened," said Judge Alison McCarty before imposing the sentence.
On Aug. 2, Skinner entered guilty pleas to aggravated vehicular homicide and operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol for the accident, which left her paralyzed from the waist down.
Lisabeth Dayton, 41, of Canton, a mother of two and grandmother of six, died following the collision on May 12, 2022.
Dayton, who was the head chef at Ray's Place in Kent, was heading home, traveling on I-76 West near Innovation Way, when the crash occurred.
Prosecutors said Skinner's blood alcohol level was .248— more than three times the legal limit— when she slammed head-on into Dayton's Buick LeSabre.
Several of Dayton's close friends cried while making statements before the court, including Becky Woods.
"Lissa had a big heart. She was always cooking and helping others. She was an amazing chef," Woods said.
Woods also said Skinner doesn't seem to be remorseful for what happened.
"Please don't take pity on her because she's in a wheelchair. She doesn't deserve it," Woods said.
When given the chance to speak in court, Skinner apologized.
"I am ashamed and saddened by my carelessness. I regret my actions and I'm so sorry for the suffering I've caused," Skinner said.
Watch our report on Skinner pleading guilty earlier this year:
