A drunk driver who ran over and killed a 28-year-old tow truck driver trying to help a stranded motorist in Temecula was sentenced Thursday to four years in state prison.
Danika Lee McGetrick, 20, of Temecula pleaded guilty last month to DUI gross vehicular manslaughter for the 2017 death of Kyle Daniel Crull of Wildomar.
No charges were dismissed under the plea agreement, which Riverside County Superior Court Judge Kelly Hansen certified, imposing the sentence stipulated by the prosecution and defense.
According to the California Highway Patrol, McGetrick slammed into Crull with her 2016 Kia Optima as he stood on the shoulder of southbound Interstate 15, near the exit to Temecula Parkway.
Investigators said that about 11:30 p.m. on Oct. 21, Crull, an employee of DJ’s Towing Co., arrived at the location to assist a stranded motorist, who had called the Auto Club for a tow.
Crull was standing at the left rear of the disabled car when McGetrick allowed her Kia to drift onto the shoulder, side-swiping the other vehicle, striking Crull and then plowing into the tow truck, according to the CHP.
The victim was hurled into the back of the truck, suffering catastrophic injuries. The driver of the disabled vehicle and his passenger were not hurt.
Crull was taken to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar, where he died less than an hour later.
McGetrick was not injured and was arrested at the scene.
She had no documented prior felony convictions.