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Driver sentenced to 2 years probation in April crash that killed East High School student

Des Moines police said Terra Flipping struck 14-year-old Ema Cardenas with her car on April 28.

DES MOINES, Iowa — The driver involved in a crash that killed a 14-year-old East High School student has been sentenced to two years probation.

Des Moines police said Terra Flipping struck 14-year-old Ema Cardenas with her car on April 28, 2022. She drove away following the crash before and was arrested that same day.

Flipping pleaded guilty to Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death and was sentenced Wednesday to two years of probation with a fine of $1,250.

"The judge made his decision. Even though I'm not happy about it, he went through the law," said Ana Campos, Ema's mother. "I vow to change the law. I don't want people to think that you could run over somebody and get away with probation."

The maximum sentence for the charge is five years in prison with a fine of $10,000. The minimum sentence is probation and a $1,250 fine. 

In court Wednesday, the judge shared how deeply disappointed he was with the way Flipping handled the hit-and-run, saying her actions are nothing to be proud of.

Cardenas' death has changed pedestrian safety on E University Avenue, where she was hit just down the street from East High School. 

In response to her passing, Des Moines City Council voted in June to allow school speed zones to include areas where kids are frequently present, such as stadiums and practice fields.

RELATED: 'She would be happy': Des Moines expands school speed zones after Ema Cardenas' death

RELATED: Remembering Ema: Family of Des Moines hit-and-run victim holds walk advocating for change

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