Rebecca Gayheart Gets A Plea Bargain

Posted Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at 10:06 AM Central

by Heather Koehler

Instead of a year in the county jail, Rebecca Gayheart was handed three-years probation, one-year license suspension, 750 hours of community service and a $2800 fine. The judge also ordered Ms. Gayheart to record a public-service announcement.

Very distraught and regretful, the Noxema girl plead guilty to a misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter charge from the accident on June 13th that claimed the life of 9-year-old Jorge Cruz, Jr. The district attorney is finished with Rebecca but the Cruz family has filed a wrongful suit death against the actress as well. Both parties hope to settle without going to trial. The Urban Legend star paid for the the boy's hospital and funeral expenses and has offered to pay for family grief counseling too.

She made her way out of the courtroom away from the media as her attorney made a brief statement. "It was the worst thing that could have happened to her, killing a child. She feels terrible. She will make a video that highlights the dangers of jaywalking, of drivers who don't stop when other cars have stopped, and parents who don't properly educate their children."