Friday, February 22, 2013

** Former Alberta paramedic fined $2,000 after falling asleep at wheel, killing man

** Former female Massachusetts firefighter’s trial in killing of female paramedic lover begins

CANADA NEWS

** A former Alberta paramedic has been find $2,000 in the driving death of a Stony Plain man. The Edmonton Journal (Ryan Cormier/February 19) said Tabitha Heppleston, 24, pleaded guilty Tuesday to careless driving during a patient transport from Smoky Lake to Edmonton. According to the newspaper, Heppleston fell asleep at the wheel July 7, 2009, awakening only as the EMS unit headed towards a ditch. Overcorrecting, she moved the ambulance into oncoming traffic, hitting the truck driven by Brian Clark, 54. Clark died in the crash, while his brother, who was in the passenger seat, sustained neck and shoulder injuries. Along with the fine, Heppleston was given a two month driving suspension. She now works in a daycare.

UNITED STATES NEWS

** Opening statements began Wednesday in the trial of a former female Massachusetts firefighter accused of killing her lesbian paramedic lover. The Associated Press (February 20) said proceedings against Cara Rintala in the death of Annamarie Cochrane Rintala are being held in Hampshire Superior Court in Northampton. Rintala is accused of strangling Annamarie to death in 2010 at the home the two shared. Prosecutors intend to use an acrimonious relationship and financial woes as motives for the murder.