LOS ANGELES (AP) — Actress-model Rebecca Gayheart pleaded no contest to misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter for the death of a 9-year-old boy she struck with her car in June.
The former "Beverly Hills 90210" star wiped away tears as Superior Court Commissioner Gary Bindman sentenced her to three years of probation, suspended her license, imposed a fine and ordered her to produce a safe-driving video.
Gayheart, 29, didn't speak during the short hearing Tuesday, but defense attorney Harland Braun said the actress was saddened by the death of Jorge Cruz Jr.
"She's taking it very hard," he said in an interview. "Obviously, it's the worst thing that could happen to somebody."
With the plea, Gayheart avoided a possible jail sentence.
Police said several cars had stopped to allow the youngster to cross a street when Gayheart's Jeep entered a left-turn lane to pass slowing cars and struck him. Witnesses estimated the Jeep was moving at more than 40 mph.
The actress expressed "sorrow and regret" for the accident and paid for Cruz's hospitalization and funeral.