Woman, 82, gets probation, two days in jail for fatal crash

An 82-year-old driver convicted in crash that killed a bicyclist west of Omaha in March has been sentenced.A judge handed down a two-year probation sentence for Ruth Jeffers on Thursday. She pleaded guilty in May to misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide.Investigators said Jeffers was driving the Ford Taurus that struck and killed former Millard West teacher Jim Johnston near 260th and West Center Road on March 13.Jeffers has also been ordered to serve two days in the Douglas County Corrections Center -- one on March 13, 2015, and one on March 13, 2016.The judge ordered Jeffers to write a letter to Johnston's wife within 60 days, and she also has to perform 200 hours of community service with a focus on seniors driving.Jeffers has to pay $3,000 restitution and a $1,000 fine.She won't be able to operate a vehicle for the duration of her probation, and she also has to undergo a psychological evaluation.Dozens of Johnston's family members left court feeling a mix of sadness and anger."She was a terrible driver, and she's a menace to society," said brother Jeff Johnston.Jeff Johnston spoke on behalf of the family, asking for the maximum sentence."Jim lived his whole life taking care of people, and we wanted a sentence that would help take care of people," he said.Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said the judge had to make a tough decision."You know, I understand where the family's coming from, absolutely. But we defer to the court for this one. I mean, it's a difficult call."Jeffers did not speak in court, left in silence and her attorney had no comment.

An 82-year-old driver convicted in crash that killed a bicyclist west of Omaha in March has been sentenced.

A judge handed down a two-year probation sentence for Ruth Jeffers on Thursday. She pleaded guilty in May to misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide.

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Investigators said Jeffers was driving the Ford Taurus that struck and killed former Millard West teacher Jim Johnston near 260th and West Center Road on March 13.

Jeffers has also been ordered to serve two days in the Douglas County Corrections Center -- one on March 13, 2015, and one on March 13, 2016.

The judge ordered Jeffers to write a letter to Johnston's wife within 60 days, and she also has to perform 200 hours of community service with a focus on seniors driving.

Jeffers has to pay $3,000 restitution and a $1,000 fine.

She won't be able to operate a vehicle for the duration of her probation, and she also has to undergo a psychological evaluation.

Dozens of Johnston's family members left court feeling a mix of sadness and anger.

"She was a terrible driver, and she's a menace to society," said brother Jeff Johnston.

Jeff Johnston spoke on behalf of the family, asking for the maximum sentence.

"Jim lived his whole life taking care of people, and we wanted a sentence that would help take care of people," he said.

Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said the judge had to make a tough decision.

"You know, I understand where the family's coming from, absolutely. But we defer to the court for this one. I mean, it's a difficult call."

Jeffers did not speak in court, left in silence and her attorney had no comment.