Woman Gets 13 Years in Prison in Fatal DUI Case

A Florida woman has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for causing a DUI accident that resulted in the death of another woman.

According to authorities, Barbara Diffendal crashed into the car of 34-year-old Jeanine Bethoney, who later died from the injuries she sustained in the crash.  According to police, Diffendal fled the scene of the accident while cradling her 4-year-old daughter in her arms.

Police later found Diffendal and her daughter and took them to the hospital for treatment. It wasn't until after toxicology results indicated that Diffendal was intoxicated that she was charged with DUI manslaughter,  leaving the scene of an accident without rendering aid, and causing death while driving without a license. 

Diffendal was facing a maximum of 30 years in prison, but agreed to a plea bargain with the prosecution for a 13 year sentence instead. Prosecuting attorney Bill Catto said Bethoney's family agreed to a lesser punishment in order to avoid trial.

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