Driver in fatal Ross Twp. crash gets maximum prison sentence

A Hamilton man has been given the maximum prison sentence for killing a woman in an August crash in Ross Twp.

Larry Gray II, 24, of Oxford Street, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide in February for the death of Laura Cheek.

Butler County Common Pleas Judge Greg Howard on Wednesday sentenced Gray to eight years in prison.

Cheek, 38, of Reily Twp., was killed on Aug. 17 when her black Ford Mustang was hit head-on by Gray’s yellow Mustang on Ross-Millville Road.

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

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At the time of the crash, Gray was estimated to be traveling 79 mph and was impaired by fentanyl, according to the Butler County Sheriff”s Office investigation, Assistant Butler County Prosecutor Dan Phillips said.

Gray was also given a lifetime license suspension, a $5,000 fine, and will be place on three years of post release control when released from prison.

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There were reports at the crash scene that Gray was driving erratically before the crash that happened at about 9:30 a.m. Police said he also sideswiped another vehicle before colliding with Cheek. The occupants of that car were not injured.

After Gray’s plea on Feb. 7, Howard gave him a chance to remain free until sentencing, but Gray failed a drug test and was taken into custody and booked into the Butler County Jail.

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About the Author

Lauren Pack

Lauren Pack, a native of the Miami Valley, has been on staff at the Journal-News since 1994 reporting on courts and crime.