This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2004, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
WEST VALLEY CITY - Malarie Hilton's parents say they took no satisfaction in watching a former Salt Lake County Sheriff's deputy walk out of the courtroom in handcuffs Monday.
But the two-week jail sentence imposed on Carla Redding, for killing their 19-year-old daughter in a traffic accident, fulfilled their desire for accountability.
And echoing the sentiments of Hilton's family, 3rd District Judge Terry Christiansen called the sentence a message to law enforcement: "Even police officers need to follow the law."
Late on June 8, 2002, Redding sped up to assist a fellow deputy who needed backup at a bar fight.
But, contrary to sheriff's office policy, she never turned on her lights and sirens as she drove about 70 mph in a 40 mph zone on 5415 South, where a Toyota Camry was turning left into a driveway near 4400 West.
Redding, who did not brake, attempted to swerve at the last second but struck and severed the Camry's right rear passenger's seat area, where Hilton was sitting.
Hilton was thrown to the street and died of head wounds. Three other young women in the car were injured, as was Redding, who hurt her ankle.
A jury in June convicted Redding of negligent homicide, a class A misdemeanor; negligent collision, a class B misdemeanor, and speeding, a class C misdemeanor.
On Monday, Christiansen ordered Redding to serve 2 weeks in jail. He also placed her on 18 months probation, ordered her to complete 500 hours of community service and pay a $2,500 fine. He ordered the county to pay $10,599 for funeral expenses.
Christiansen gave Redding the option of donating the fine and $7 for each hour of community service to a scholarship Hilton's mother, Suzanne Sawsak, plans to start at Kearns High School, where Hilton served as student body president. Sawsak plans to use at least a portion of any settlement the family may obtain through its $2 million civil lawsuit against the sheriff's office for the leadership award.
Redding did not speak or look at Hilton's family during the one-hour sentencing hearing, but her face flushed and she dabbed her eyes as she heard testimony from Hilton's parents and the three girls injured in the crash.
"I do not believe if I live to be 100 that there will be a day I don't think about her," Sawsak said. She described her daughter as an outgoing and active woman who enjoyed community service and was looking forward to attending the University of California at Berkeley.
Hilton's father, Mark, asked for a stiff sentence because of Redding's previous driving citations, but he said he doesn't "hate" Redding and hopes she doesn't "live her life in the dredges" following her jail time.
Redding's attorney, Ed Brass, told the judge that, while tragic, the accident was not a crime. "In fact, human life was what her motivation was that night," said Brass, referring to Redding's attempt to help a deputy in possible danger.
Prosecutor Brenda Beaton, of the Weber County Attorney's Office, countered, saying Redding responded to the call for help with disregard to the safety of the residents in Kearns.
Redding was transported to the Summit County Jail, where she will serve her two-week sentence, though she may have a temporary leave from custody depending on the health of her father, who was hospitalized Monday morning.
Redding resigned from the sheriff's office shortly after the accident, avoiding an internal affairs investigation, and took a patrol position with the Murray Police Department.
Murray fired Redding on Monday, said Murray police Detective Kenny Bass.
Weber County prosecuted the case after Salt Lake County District Attorney David Yocom declined.