The families of three victims say it is a "slap in the face" after a 19-year-old driver was granted youthful offender status in her sentencing for a fatal crash that killed three teenagers. The Erie County District Attorney's Office announced on Monday, July 8th that Jayla Mueller of Colden was sentenced to 1⅓ to 4 years in jail for the incident that occurred in February 2023.
The fatal crash took place on the Audubon Parkway in Amherst around 11:30pm on February 20th, 2023. Mueller lost control of her vehicle while entering the ramp onto Millersport Highway. Tragically, three passengers, identified as 18-year-old Azathiel Pabon, 19-year-old Isabella French, and 20-year-old Dakota Eldridge, lost their lives in the accident. Another 17-year-old male passenger sustained injuries.
In April, Mueller pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree manslaughter and reckless driving. During her plea, Judge Susan Eagan committed to sentencing her as a youthful offender, provided she met certain conditions, including not getting arrested, complying with the pre-sentence investigation, and appearing in court for sentencing. Mueller qualified for youthful offender status due to her age at the time of the crash.
The District Attorney's office expressed opposition to Mueller being granted youthful offender status and requested the maximum sentence, which she ultimately received. The families of the victims also voiced their disagreement with the decision.
Michel Colondres, Pabon's aunt, expressed her disappointment, stating, "Certain things we get caught up for, you can be 17 or 18 and they're not trying to hear that youthful offender status. So it's kind of like a little slap in the face."
Although Mueller apologized in court, both the judge and the families felt that her remorse was insincere and that she had not learned from the crash. Christina Kessel, Eldridge's mother, remarked, "She apologized but went on and on about how it affected her. She was still all about [herself]."
Judge Eagan expressed her hope that Mueller would serve the full four-year sentence. However, there is a possibility that she may be released early. Colondres expressed her frustration, stating, "Like the judge said: I don't think you get it. You're still going to school, you're still able to do all those things that got taken from them that second, at that time. The apology, I get it. I can sympathize for her. But it's still, just like, alright, finally, I guess."
Mueller's driver's license was also revoked.
The families of the victims continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones and are grappling with the outcome of the sentencing. They hope that this case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving and the importance of accountability in preventing such tragedies from occurring in the future.