In September 2010, Staten Island motorist Krystal Francis allegedly opened her car door in the path of 23-year-old cyclist Jasmine Herron (seen here). It sent Herron swerving into the street, where she was killed by a B45 bus. Yesterday a jury found Francis guilty, but their decision had nothing to do with Herron's death—in fact, they were told nothing about the cyclist. Francis was found guilty of only driving with a suspended license, a violation, and faces either 30 days in jail or a $500 fine. Sources tell the News the fine is the "most likely" punishment.
Francis's attorney argued that even though no witness saw Francis behind the wheel, there was no proof that she was there, and there was also no proof that that she received notices about not answering a traffic ticket and the subsequent suspension. But the Post reports that the jury believed a police detective who testified that Francis told him she had been driving.
Reached for comment in her Colorado home, Herron's mother tells the News, "I feel vindicated the jury found her guilty. But it won't bring my daughter back." Neither would a felony conviction—Francis was initially charged with leaving the scene of an accident—but it might send a message to other motorists that there are severe consequences for killing pedestrians and cyclists, despite what the NYPD might lead you to believe.
