Source: CVDaily Feed
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LOGAN — A 42-year-old Logan woman was given the maximum sentence of zero to five years in prison, for aiding in the April DUI accident that killed local businessman Randy Wirth.

Michelle Hoppie appeared in 1st District Court Monday afternoon after previously pleading guilty in November to automobile homicide, a third-degree felony. She was charged with intentionally giving 40-year-old Alvin Henson the keys to her 1993 Dodge Dakota pickup truck after the two had been drinking at a party.

According to Cache County Sheriff’s reports, Henson was driving Hoppie’s truck east on 200 South in Millville, when he crossed into the westbound lane, striking both a Cadillac DeVille and Suzuki motorcycle.

Wirth, co-owner of Café Ibis was the driver of the motorcycle. He was transported to Logan Regional Hospital by ambulance and then flown to McKay Dee Hospital where he later died of his injuries.

Hoppie did not believe she should have been charged, since she was not driving or in her truck at the time of the accident.

Prosecutors said multiple witnesses though testified Hoppie gave her keys to Henson, so he could drive to the store and purchase more alcohol.

During Monday’s sentencing, a statement from Wirth’s wife, Sally Sears was read to the court. It said she didn’t believe justice had been served and she held Hoppie and Henson equally responsible for their husband’s death.

Judge Kevin Allen told Hoppie he also didn’t think she understood Wirth’s death was because of a choice she made. He said she had everything to do with his death.

In June, Hensen was sentenced to one to 15 years in prison after earlier pleading guilty to automobile homicide, a second-degree felony.


will@cvradio.com