Woman who killed 3 children, injured 1 sentenced to 4 years in prison

FULTON COUNTY, Ind. -- A judge has sentenced Alyssa Shepherd to prison for the crash that killed three children and injured one as they attempted to board their school bus on SR 25 in October 2018.

Shepherd will serve four years in prison, three years in home detention and three years probation. Shepherd's license will also be suspended for 10 years.

The bus was stopped in the northbound lanes with its stop arm extended when Shepherd, who was traveling southbound, failed to stop for the bus and struck the children crossing the street.

Xzavier Ingle, 6, Mason Ingle, 6, and Alivia Stahl, 9 died at the scene. A fourth student, Maverik Lowe, suffered severe injuries.

In October 2019, Shepherd was found guilty of three counts of reckless homicide, one count of reckless driving causing bodily injury (an amended charge) and criminal recklessness (an amended charge).

Following the sentencing, Xzavier, Mason and Alivia's mom, Brittany Ingle, was taken into custody on a preliminary charge of misdemeanor battery because of an altercation between Brittany and Shepherd.

A restitution hearing is set for Shepherd on February 14 at 1:15 p.m.

The maximum sentence Shepherd faced was 21 1/2 years. The prosecution suggested a sentence of 14 years, 10 of those years served and four years probation. The defense suggested Shepherd serve an eight year suspended sentence.