A California woman allegedly caused a deadly Utah crash while viewing pornography on her cellphone, according to police.
Christine Chao, 44, was charged Tuesday with automobile homicide in connection with the June 12 collision, TMZ reported. Traffic on Interstate 15 had slowed to a crawl because of construction when Chao’s SUV struck the back of one vehicle, sending it into another car ahead.
“Two vehicles were traveling at a slower speed when a vehicle driven by the defendant, Christine Chao, struck the rearmost vehicle, causing it to crash into the vehicle ahead of it,” charging documents reviewed by KSL state.
The Rosemead, California, resident reportedly told investigators she was responsible for the crash. After examining her phone, officers allegedly determined that she had accessed a pornography website less than two minutes before the collision.
According to ABC4, Chao was using her phone when her blue SUV hit a white sedan. The sedan then slammed into a second SUV, with all three vehicles eventually leaving the roadway.
Scott LaVar Lichfield, 66, was seated in the back of one of the vehicles and suffered a fatal head injury in the crash.
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Lichfield was remembered by his family as a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
“It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our sweet Husband, Dad, Papa (Pop Pop), Uncle, Cousin, Nephew,” his obituary states.
“He was one very loved gentle soul.”
He was also honored as a Sunday school teacher and a dedicated financial professional.
“Scott served faithfully in many callings as a Sunday School Teacher to a couple of crowds of boys and a lone girl. He loved those kids,” the obituary continued.
“Nursery leader, Elders Quorum Teacher, Scout Leader (a calling that he completely loved with all his heart), and Financial Clerk. This calling was his complete heart. He loved serving among all these good men. He served as a financial clerk in three different wards.”
Investigators also reported finding no skid marks, suggesting Chao did not brake before striking the vehicle ahead.
