Admitted hit-and-run killer gets 5 years in prison

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Defendant Jennifer Race broke down emotionally like we've never seen before after her two kids asked the judge to go easy on their mom.

Christian Garcia, 9, read from notes. "I know my mom got in an accident and she made a mistake. I miss her a lot. Me and her would do fun things and get ice cream.  It breaks my heart not having my mom. I feel bad for the other family too.”

Back in October of 2015, Race -- who was driving with a suspended license at the time -- was involved in a hit-and-run crash that killed 83-year-old Lawrence Lockhart.

Instead of checking on him, prosecutors say, Race hitched a ride away from the scene.  But a gas station surveillance camera caught it all on video.

After her arrest, Race began playing games with the justice system, hiring and firing attorney after attorney after attorney.  She also showed up late to court a lot, so the judge threw her in jail.

While shuffling attorneys, she also backed out a plea deal at the last minute.  But Friday was different.

Race pleaded guilty to the charges and told the judge she is a better person and wants to help others in trouble in the future, to "show them you can come out a changed person," said Race.

Judge Samantha Ward called Race a habitual offender and sentenced her to five years in prison followed by 10 years of probation.

She also revoked her driver’s license for life, which means she can never legally drive again.

David Lockhart, the victim’s son, was satisfied with the sentence and relieved it was finally over. "I don't think she sounded very sincere. She talked more about her problems than what actually happened, but I think there was justice today.”