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A Brooklyn woman, Miriam Yarimi, was sentenced to three to nine years in prison on Wednesday for a tragic crash that claimed the lives of a mother and her two young daughters. Yarimi, who previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter, expressed remorse in court, taking full responsibility for her actions.
The incident occurred in March when Yarimi, driving with a suspended license, ran a red light in the Midwood neighborhood of Brooklyn. She struck Natasha Saada, 34, and her daughters, Diana, eight, and Deborah, five, as they were walking home from Shabbos services. Saada's four-year-old son was critically injured, suffering skull fractures and brain bleeding.
According to the New York Times, Yarimi was driving at 68 miles per hour, more than twice the speed limit, and did not apply the brakes before the crash. Surveillance footage showed her using a cellphone and speeding through a red light just before the collision. Her car collided with a Toyota Camry, causing it to veer off course, while Yarimi's vehicle plowed into the Saada family.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez described Yarimi as a "reckless driver" and emphasized the serious consequences of her actions. Although the district attorney's office recommended a longer sentence of five to 15 years, the court's decision highlights the importance of prosecuting reckless driving.
The tragedy deeply affected the local Jewish community, with many mourning the loss and offering prayers for the family. Chai Lifeline, a Jewish nonprofit, provided counseling sessions for those affected. New York City Mayor Eric Adams called the incident "a tragic accident of Shakespearean proportion," underscoring the profound impact on the community.
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