A California driver has been charged with automobile homicide after a fatal crash in Utah that police say occurred while she was watching pornography on her phone. Christine Chao, 44, was charged Tuesday in connection with the June 12 collision on I-15 that killed 66-year-old Scott LaVar Lichfield.
Crash Details
At the time of the crash, construction on I-15 had slowed traffic to a near halt. Chao's blue SUV struck a white sedan, which then crashed into another SUV driving in front of it, according to ABC4. All three vehicles veered off the road.
Court documents state: “Two vehicles were traveling at a slower speed when a vehicle driven by the defendant, Christine Chao, struck the rearmost vehicle, causing it to crash into the vehicle ahead of it.”
Phone Evidence
Chao reportedly “told officers she was at fault.” After examining her phone, police found that she had opened a porn site “less than two minutes before the crash.” Responding officers noted there were no brake marks on the road or indications that Chao tried to slow down.
Victim Remembered
Lichfield, who was in the backseat of one of the cars, suffered a fatal head injury. His family remembered him as a loving husband and grandfather.
A tribute from his family said: “It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our sweet Husband, Dad, Papa (Pop Pop), Uncle, Cousin, Nephew. He was one very loved gentle soul.”
The obituary continued: “Scott served faithfully in many callings as a Sunday School Teacher to a couple of crowds of boys and a lone girl. He loved those kids. Nursery leader, Elders Quorum Teacher, Scout Leader (a calling that he completely loved with all his heart), and Financial Clerk. This calling was his complete heart. He loved serving among all these good men. He served as a financial clerk in three different wards.”
