Trish A. Jones was in court Sept. 23 for sentencing on an amended indictment of vehicular homicide, a second-degree felony, and two first-degree misdemeanor OVI charges. Her original charges included a third-degree felony vehicular assault charge, but the state dropped that charge.
The incident occurred Feb. 23 on Ohio 342. It involved Jones, her daughter Olivia Jones and Jones’ cousin Breanna Arthurs. Arthurs died after being ejected from the vehicle.
Judge Shawn Hervey began the hearing with a reminder of the possible penalties for the homicide charge, which included a definite term of up to eight years and an indefinite term of half the definite term.
“So for instance if it was a two year definite sentence, the sentence would be 2-3 years. If it was an eight year sentence, the sentence would be 8-12 years,” Hervey said.
Trish Jones speaks on her own behalf just before sentencingCornelia Grace
The misdemeanors can carry a possible sentence of up to six months in jail.
“At this time, the procedure will be I will allow the state of Ohio to make their argument for sentencing,” Hervey said. “When the state of Ohio has pleaded their argument for sentencing, I will allow Attorney [Steve] Stickles to make his argument in sentencing. When that is completed, I will pronounce sentence.”
“We won’t go in depth into the facts as the court already knows the facts,” Prosecuting Attorney Lauren Knight said. “We would note at the time of this accident the defendant did leave the scene of the accident, returned to her home, was not the individual who called 911. She left both victims. While we’re dismissing count 2, there were two parties that were injured. Obviously Ms. Arthurs was killed by the accident, but her own daughter she also left in the field.”
Knight cited several factors under the Ohio Revised Code, including the relationship between Arthurs and Jones facilitating the event. She also noted the body camera footage.
“It is some of the least remorseful I’ve seen in my time as prosecutor,” Knight said. “It could be from shock but there was a very obvious lack of concern for the health and safety of Breanna Arthurs.”
Knight asked the court to sentence Jones to at least four years at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
Six victim impact statements were read from family members and friends.
Arthur’s 14-year-old brother, Ethan, shared his statement through Victim Advocate Sarah Devore.
“She was my idol, my everything. She was my biggest fan… she supported me the most. If I needed anything all I had to do was call her… I am lost now,” he wrote.
“Breanna died because someone she should have been able to trust chose to drive while intoxicated. It also didn’t matter that your daughter, Trish, was screaming at you to slow down and you chose not to,” Arthurs’ best friend Aisha Morris said. “It wasn’t an accident, it was a choice… Breanna deserved so much more.”
Arthurs’ stepmother, Clariss Ray, spoke about how loving Arthurs was, affectionately remembering how Arthurs called her a “bonus mom.”
She addressed Jones, “You didn’t try to save her. You didn’t care. You walked away… I hope this haunts you the rest of your life.”
Sister Nicolette Devore and uncle Steven Devore both asked for justice in their statements. Arthurs’ mother, Julie Devore, spoke about Arthurs’ positivity and joy in all circumstances. Arthurs’ father, Richard Arthurs, called Jones an “evil, evil person” in his statement, speaking about his experience in law enforcement and asking the judge to consider the maximum penalty possible.
Stickles called five people to speak on Jones’ behalf. Two pastors, Dan Nelson and David Coleman, spoke briefly about forgiveness and asked for mercy from the court.
Jones’ father, Bernie Miller, shared that Jones’ mother had just passed away in June and his own health was failing now. Jones is his only caretaker. Jones’ boyfriend, Ralph Maxwell, also asked the court for mercy.
Jones’ daughter, Olivia, said in her statement, “Growing up, my mom has always been a constant source of support, strength, and love. She was and is my best friend. She was the only one to get me up for school, get me to places on time, take me shopping, make me dinner, listen to all my problems, and give me wise advice. I know she will always be in my corner, cheering me on. I realize she’s facing serious consequences and I do not minimize what has happened. However, I also know that this does not define who she is entirely. This was a terrible accident and nothing more. I know for a fact my mom would never intentionally hurt anybody… In my eyes, my mom does not belong in prison. Selfishly, I need her here in my life. I can’t imagine going through college, getting married, or having a baby without her here supporting me… I respectfully ask you to consider this when making a decision about her future. My hope is that you can see her not walking through the charges she faces but also for the loving and caring person she has always been to those around her.”
Stickles argued that Jones’ alcohol use was not a pattern of behavior and that every person in the vehicle was an adult who had chosen to be there. He noted that all had been drinking. He asked the judge for a lighter sentence.
“It doesn’t bring anyone back to impose a lengthy sentence,” Stickles said.
Jones also spoke on her own behalf.
“I would really like to take back that night. I made poor life choices. To Julie and Rich, and Ethan, little Ethan, there’s no words… I got to live with that. Sorry is not enough,” she said.
Hervey said he had to follow the law, though he was moved by the statements made.
“There is nothing I can do today that will heal the heartbreak. There is nothing I can do today that will bring your daughter back to you. I wish I could… The mercy that’s been asked for, I can’t give. The law doesn’t allow me to and I swore an oath I take very seriously to follow the law,” Hervey said.
Jones was sentenced to four years definite and two years indefinite with a lifetime license suspension. She will also be responsible for a $565 mandatory fine. She will be allowed to report to jail in 14 days, giving her time to find a new caretaker for her father.
