NEWBURYPORT — A Groveland woman avoided jail time this week after pleading guilty to motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation in connection with a 2010 accident that claimed the life of a 51-year-old Rowley mother and grandmother.
Carol A. Parady, 66, of Apple Blossom Way, was sentenced Monday to 21/2 years in the house of correction, but Newburyport District Court Judge Peter Doyle suspended the sentence for five years.
Parady's license was suspended for 15 years, and she must wear an electronic monitoring device for one year. She will also have to perform 100 hours of community service.
Cynthia Heil of Rowley died in the July 15, 2010, crash on Haverhill Street (Route 133), near Christopher Road, in Rowley. According to law enforcement officials, Parady's 2001 white Lexus crossed into oncoming traffic on Haverhill Street and collided head-on with Heil's 2000 Jeep Wrangler. Parady was traveling east, while Heil was driving westbound.
Heil, who lived on Haverhill Street, was transported to Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport where she was pronounced dead. Both Parady and Heil were the only occupants in their respective vehicles.
According to court documents, Parady said she looked down at her radio to change the station right before the crash but couldn't remember the impact.
After charging Parady in August 2010, Rowley police Chief Robert Barker said it didn't appear speed was a factor. The posted speed limit on Haverhill Street is 40 mph.
The commonwealth was represented by Essex Assistant District Attorney Tom Sholds, with assistance from Essex Victim Witness advocate Tyler Burke. Parady was represented by attorney Tom Butters.
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