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April 9, 2009

Foreign exchange student pleads no contest in December fatal accident

By Cass Rains, Staff Writer

A foreign exchange student involved in a fatal Dec. 18 car crash pleaded no contest to misdemeanor negligent homicide Thursday in Garfield County District Court.

So Jung Kim, 18, received a one-year deferred sentence and was ordered to pay $50 to the victim’s compensation fund and court costs, at the state’s request.

According to court filings, Kim was driving east in the 3600 block of West Rupe when her pickup crossed the centerline while she was changing her Mp3 player. Kim struck a pickup driven by Jordan Harrell, 18, head on. Harrell was pinned for 44 minutes before being extricated by Enid Fire Department firefighters. A Chisholm High School student, he died at Integris Bass Baptist Health Center from his injuries.

Assistant District Attorney Mike Fields made note that although it was not part of an agreement, Kim will make a donation in Harrell’s name.

“Ms. Kim has agreed to make a contribution to the Children’s Christian Fund in the name of Jordan Harrell,” Fields said.

Kim provided police with a written statement noting the accident was her fault.

Kim quietly answered Special District Judge Paul Woodward as he accepted her plea. Her one-year term of probation ends April 9, 2010.

Another 18-year-old is facing the same charge for an Aug. 13 fatal accident at Fox Drive and 90th.

Kaelyn Brooke Bundy was driving a 1999 Ford Mustang east on Fox Drive, and John O’Donnell was driving a 2004 Chevrolet 2500 pickup north on 90th. The vehicles collided at the uncontrolled intersection when Bundy failed to yield to the vehicle to her right.

O’Donnell died at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center from injuries he sustained in the crash. Bundy told the investigating Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper she did not see O’Donnell’s vehicle until she was in the intersection.

She is free on a $1,500 recognizance bond and is scheduled for a bond appearance April 22.

Negligent homicide carries a punishment of a $100 to $1,000 fine and/or imprisonment for up to one year.

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