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Published on January 17, 2025
St. Louis Woman Sentenced to Four Years for Involuntary Manslaughter in Tower Grove Park Area CrashSource: Google Street View

A St. Louis woman has been sentenced to a four-year prison term considering her involvement in a deadly collision that occurred near Tower Grove Park in 2023. Jasmine D. Love, aged 33, entered a guilty plea to charges of first-degree involuntary manslaughter and misdemeanor assault for the crash that took place on November 19, 2023, at the junction of South Grand Boulevard and Magnolia Avenue. The incident, which led to the death of Matt Zada, 41, of St. Louis, was captured by the city police Real-Time Crime Center cameras, as reported by the authorities.

Love was said to have driven at high speed through several intersections before crashing into Zada's vehicle, forcing it into other cars and resulting in a utility pole being knocked down. According to the original court records, this series of careless actions eventually led to the tragedy that unfolded that day. A grand jury indictment back in February 2024 charged Love with involuntary manslaughter, armed criminal action, and misdemeanor assault, but the charge for armed criminal action was dropped in a plea agreement.

In an emotional statement during the hearing, Love expressed her regret over the events, saying "I'm sorry," and acknowledged her driving recklessly. She told the court about her 6-year-old son and pleaded that she had never been in trouble before. "I didn’t mean to do it, but it happened," Love said, offering an apology to those affected by the crash and the consequent loss of life.

St. Louis Circuit Judge John Bird addressed the gravity of Love's actions during the sentencing. "This individual did not have to die that day," Judge Bird declared, pointing out the irreversible consequences of Love's recklessness. Despite acknowledging the difficulty of being separated from her son, Judge Bird emphasized that her actions had endangered many and led to a preventable demise. As the court documents revealed, Love's sentence will include jail time already served, but her request to receive credit for time spent on house arrest for 6 and a half months was denied.