California Woman Charged with Homicide in Utah Crash Attributed to Porn Viewing
Authorities allege distracted driving led to a fatal three-car collision on I-15.
A California woman has been charged with automobile homicide in connection with a fatal three-car crash in Utah that occurred in June. Police allege that Christine Chao, 44, was watching pornography on her phone at the time of the incident, which led to the death of Scott LaVar Lichfield, 66.
The crash took place on June 12 on Interstate 15, where traffic had significantly slowed due to construction. According to charging documents, Chao, driving a blue SUV, collided with a white sedan, causing it to strike another SUV in front of it. All three vehicles then veered off the roadway.
Chao reportedly admitted fault to responding officers. A subsequent examination of her phone revealed that she had accessed a pornography website less than two minutes before the collision. Investigators noted the absence of brake marks at the scene, suggesting Chao did not attempt to slow down.
Scott LaVar Lichfield, a passenger in one of the vehicles, sustained fatal head injuries. His obituary described him as a devoted husband and grandfather, remembered for his service as a Sunday School teacher and his work in finance. He also served in various leadership roles within his religious community.
Chao, a resident of Rosemead, California, was formally charged on Tuesday. The incident highlights the dangers of distracted driving, particularly the use of mobile devices while operating a vehicle.