Man Gets Eight Years in Fatal Accident

Halbert

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) — A Starkville man gets eight years in prison for a fatal accident that killed his friend, an 18-year-old Starkville High student.

Lijames Halbert, 20, pleaded guilty to culpable negligent manslaughter in the death of 18-year-old Breanna Hampton. State trooper accident experts said Halbert was going almost 80 miles an hour when he lost control of his car on Sand Road near Highway 25 on Nov. 5, 2011.

The car skidded out of control, spun around, smashed into a tree and then flipped. Hampton died from her injuries.

No alcohol or drugs were involved but investigators charged Halbert because of the excessive speed.

In addition to the prison time, he must pay a $1,000 fine and $7,000 in restitution.