Kenai Man Sentenced to 12 Years for 2010 Fatal Car Crash
By Michael Armstrong and Kelly Sullivan • February 18, 2015
A Kenai man was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in a 2010 car crash that resulted in the death of 25-year-old Kathleen Benz from Washington, D.C. The sentencing took place on February 12 in Kenai Superior Court.
Alfred Jones, 51, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and first-degree assault charges. Judge Anna Moran imposed a 13-year sentence for manslaughter, with three years suspended, and a five-year sentence for assault, also suspended for three years.
The crash occurred on May 29, 2010, near Mile 163.5 on the Sterling Highway. Jones's pickup crossed the centerline, colliding with a Subaru containing Benz, who was traveling with friends. The incident forced three southbound vehicles and two northbound vehicles off the road.
Benz's friends, including driver Daniel Fairchild and passenger Christine Hung, sustained injuries during the crash. Jones's actions caused significant emotional distress, prompting Benz's father, Thomas Benz, to write a letter to the court expressing his grief.
Judge Moran emphasized that no sentence could ease the pain caused by the loss. In addition to prison time, Jones's driver's license was revoked for life. He has been in custody since June 2012 and previously served an 18-month sentence for money laundering.
Jones, during sentencing, expressed remorse and appealed for forgiveness, stating that he aims to improve as a person moving forward.