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NJ man gets 15 years in prison for crash into river that killed girlfriend

Published  October 22, 2018 1:32pm EDT
US
FOX 29 Philadelphia

MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. (AP) -- A New Jersey man who fled a crash of a vehicle into the Delaware River that claimed the life of his girlfriend earlier this year is now headed to state prison.

Jacob Garrett recently received a 15-year sentence. The 25-year-old Burlington City man had pleaded guilty in July to vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident.

MORE: NJ man charged in connection with fatal crash | Burlington City mother grieves the loss of daughter

The charges stemmed from a Jan. 14 alcohol-related crash in Burlington that killed 23-year-old Stephanie White. Authorities say Garrett's speeding car crashed through a fence and plunged into the icy river.

Prosecutors say Garrett climbed from the vehicle, leaving White, who was found later still belted into her seat. Authorities say witnesses reported that Garrett asked onlookers to "help my girlfriend" before fleeing.