Woman gets 6-year sentence for killing boyfriend

February 25, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

Kimberly Mack

YOUNGSTOWN

A woman convicted of killing her boyfriend by running the 64-year-old man down with his own car will spend the next six years in prison.

Kimberly Mack, 46, of Woodford Avenue, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide in December in the death of James Jackson, 64, who suffered his injuries in his West Evergreen Avenue driveway July 27.

Mack appeared Thursday before Judge James C. Evans of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court for sentencing.

Rebecca Doherty, an assistant county prosecutor, told the court the prosecutor’s office had no recommendation as to a prison sentence but acknowledged that there would be a minimum two-year sentence and lifetime license suspension under state law.

Richard Jackson, the victim’s brother, told the judge before sentencing that he believes his brother’s death indirectly led to the death of their mother as well. He said the family wants Mack in prison for as long as possible.

“That was my only brother, and I loved my brother. He did not have to die the way he died, being run down like a dog with tire marks all over his face. Whatever [time] you give her is not going to be enough,” he said.

Mack apologized to her family and the court. She also apologized to the victim’s family, saying, “Hopefully you will be able to forgive me.”

Atty. Walter Ritchie, representing Mack, told the court his client has had problems with drugs and alcohol for a substantial period of time, but pointed out that she does not have a history of violence. He said Mack put the car in reverse so that Jackson could get in the vehicle and did not at first realize she hit him.

“She loved him and still loves him now. They both had drinking problems,” Ritchie said. “I sincerely believe she is very remorseful.”

Judge Evans pointed out Mack’s blood-alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit at the time she hit Jackson.

The judge gave Mack credit for the 212 days she has spent in the county jail awaiting the final disposition of her case. He also ordered her driver’s license suspended for life and ordered her to serve three years’ probation upon her release from prison.