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

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.

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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.