A Cedar Rapids woman will spend two years in prison for her role in a 2016 crash that killed a Swisher woman.

Kaitlyn Richards, 22, was sentenced to two years in prison and a $625 fine Tuesday afternoon in Johnson County.

"The consequences of the sentence need to match the consequences of that dangerous behavior," said judge, Chad Kepros.

Richards reached a plea deal in July, admitting to texting when her car rear-ended an SUV driven by 54-year-old Patricia Mittauer on I-80, in Coralville, in January of 2016. Mittauer's SUV was pushed into the path of a semi by the impact, killing Mittauer.

"I take full responsibility for my actions and I know I am the one to blame," said Richards in the courtroom.

Richards was originally charged with homicide by vehicle and involuntary manslaughter. The plea deal drops the homicide by vehicle charge.

The original plea deal reached by Richards originally didn't include any jail time, but the judge threw out the sentencing recommendation at the plea hearing. Richards could have withdrawn her plea at that time, but chose not to.

"It surprised me. I was anticipating the judge would agree with the pre-trial agreement," said Mark Mittauer, the husband of Patricia. "I was surprised at the outcome. But I think it is a fair one. I think again my main wish is that Miss Richards turns her life around."

Judge Kepros said he felt his sentence was the best option for discouraging similar behavior and holding Richards accountable.

Richards has been convicted of operating while intoxicated twice since the 2016 accident.