WASHINGTON – A woman who kept driving after she thought she hit a deer, but actually hit and killed a cyclist, was sentenced on Friday.
After hitting Natasha Pettigrew, Christy Littleford continued driving for three miles with the bike stuck under her car and sparks flying. Littleford found the bike under her car after parking at home.
Littleford, 43, of Upper Marlboro, told a judge that since the crash she can’t sleep, can’t eat and prays for peace and forgiveness.
She was sentenced to four years with all but one year suspended, which means Littleford will serve one year in prison.
Pettigrew, 30, a Green Party candidate for the U.S. Senate, died on Sept. 20, 2010, less than two days after she was struck by Littleford’s car around 5:30 a.m. on Route 202 in Largo.
Pettigrew had been training for a triathalon.
After the sentencing, Pettigrew’s mother, Kennis Henry, approached a member of Littleford’s family and said she was sorry for their loss.
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