Associated Press
10-008-06
Woman gets up to 10 years in hit-and-run death of ISU student
NEVADA, Iowa (AP) -- A former Iowa State University student who pleaded
guilty to vehicular homicide in the hit-and-run death of a fellow student was
sentenced Friday to up to 10 years in prison.
Shanda Munn, 21, was intoxicated when she hit Kelly Laughery from behind in
the early morning hours of Dec. 3, 2005. Munn pleaded guilty last month in Story
County District Court.
She also was ordered to pay restitution and fines.
Munn had left a keg party in west Ames and admitted to having six to eight drinks
before she drove away. She initially said she thought she hit a mailbox.
Munn made no comment after she was sentenced, but addressed Laughery's
parents in a tearful apology in court.
"It wouldn't be right for me to stand up and ask for leniency," Munn said.
Laughery's parents said their daughter's death may have been unintentional, but
it as not an accident.
"We have a minor who was driving under the influence of alcohol and took
someone's life," said Pam Laughery.
Doug Laughery said that the couple hopes Munn "is able to lead a productive life
and do something Kelly would've done down the road."