Driver pleads guilty after crash that killed jogger in Hanson

HANSON, Mass. – The driver accused of being high while driving and crashing into a jogger has pleaded guilty.

Police say Kathleen Vitello was high on prescription medicine when she got behind the wheel on Dec. 23, 2015 and hit Amanda Russell while she was on a run training for the Boston Marathon.

Russell was 32 years old when she died, she has a son who is now 8 years old and was a nurse in the labor and delivery room at Beth Israel Hospital.

Her family was in court as 54-year-old Vitello pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 6-8 years in prison.

“I think she pleaded guilty, because she was guilty. She knew she was guilty,” Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz said.

Vitello’s attorney, Scott Bradley, said she didn’t want Russell’s family to have to sit through a trial.

“I don't know if she could handle a trial, very emotional for her. It's ruined her, and the way she lives her life,” he said.

Prosecutors say, Vitello was high on Xanax and methadone.

“People are using prescription medication, and or other substance and are getting behind the wheel in order to help themselves. It's a terrible problem we are facing,” DA Cruz said.

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