Idaho Woman to 15 Years Behind Bars after Death of 5 Year Old

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho judge has sentenced a Star woman to 15 years in prison for a crash that killed a 5-year-old boy. Helen Burgess will be eligible for parole after two years. Burgess pleaded guilty in January to vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence in the crash last June that caused Alvin Strauss to suffer fatal injuries and seriously injured the boy's sister.

Prosecutors say Burgess was traveling at highway speeds when she crashed into the back of another vehicle at a stoplight in Star. Investigators say she was under the influence of several different prescription drugs. Fourth District Judge Richard Greenwood on Tuesday sentenced Burgess to 15 years for the manslaughter charge and five years for the DUI. The sentences are to run concurrently.