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ST. GEORGE — The driver involved in a fatal crash on North Dixie Drive that killed two children in 2023 appeared for sentencing Tuesday.
Eric Bowen Babauta, 37, appeared before Judge Jay Winward for a sentencing hearing held in 5th District Court in St. George, where the family of the children were seated in the gallery.
Babauta was sentenced on two second-degree felony counts of negligently operating a vehicle resulting in death, charges the defendant entered a "no contest" plea to in August.
A no contest plea means that while the defendant is not admitting guilt, he does admit to the truth of the facts alleged in the case.
The charges were filed following a fatal crash on North Dixie Drive on Oct. 30, 2023, that killed two children, ages 4 and 9, when the sedan Babauta was driving was found wrecked into a power pole near 575 N. Dixie Drive in St. George. Police estimated the sedan struck the pole at nearly 80 mph.
