In a courtroom in Lawrence County on Tuesday, the driver responsible for the hit-and-run incident that left Dr. Benefield critically injured in August faced justice. Amber Gray entered a plea of no contest to two charges: one for failing to exercise due care and another for failing to stop at the scene of an accident involving injury.
As per reports, Gray received a sentence of 30 days, which was suspended to probation for the charge of failure to exercise due care. Additionally, she was sentenced to 11 months and 29 days, also suspended to probation, for the offense of failing to stop at the accident scene. The sentences for both counts are to run concurrently.
Furthermore, Gray has been ordered to pay $14,521.93 in restitution to the Benefield family. This amount is to be paid through the probation system. The incident transpired on August 26th at approximately 5:45 AM. Dr. Benefield was cycling on Highway 64 when he was struck from behind by a Jeep traveling in the eastbound direction. Following the collision, the Jeep continued its journey eastward before being located later.