Man who killed Phoenix mother in 2016 crash sentenced to 30 days in jail
Mar 5, 2019, 12:45 PM
(Chandler Police Department photo)
(Chandler Police Department photo)
PHOENIX — The man who killed a Phoenix-area mother and seriously injured her two children after running a red light in 2016 will spend 30 days in jail for the crimes.
William Epperlein was convicted of multiple misdemeanors Tuesday for the accident that led to the death of Pamela Hesselbacher, a Chandler woman.
He will also be placed on one year of monitored probation and will be ordered to pay a fine of $1,869.
The accident led to the passage of Pam’s Law, which stiffens the penalties for drivers who cause serious injuries or deaths while driving on a suspended license.
But Epperlein will not face the stiffer penalties.
“This is a tragedy, it’s tragic for everybody, including Mr. Epperlein,” Epperlein’s attorney Alex Gonzalez told ABC15.
Epperlein pleaded guilty in January to three counts of causing serious physical injury or death with a moving vehicle.
Hesselbacher and her two children, ages 3 and 1 at the time, were inside the crosswalk at College Avenue and Ray Road in Tempe when they were struck in November 2016.
Epperlein was driving with a suspended license and without proper insurance. He had a prior DUI conviction and didn’t maintain his required high-risk insurance.
Under Pam’s Law, drivers with a suspended license who cause serious injuries could lose their driving privileges for 180 days. For cases involving a death, drivers could have their licenses suspended for a full year.
In both cases, drivers could face up to 6 months in jail.
Epperlein will be ordered to report to jail on April 13 to begin his sentence.
