Teen motorist sentenced for death of girl boarding school bus

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. — An 18-year-old driver has been sentenced in the death of a high school student who was fatally struck while boarding a school bus in 2014, WPVI reports.

Michael Shelly was sentenced to 11.5 to 23 months in prison and five years of probation in the death of 16-year-old Minete Zeka, according to the news source.

As previously reported, Zeka was crossing an intersection so she could board her school bus on the morning of Dec. 17 when she was struck by Shelly’s 1984 Ford Bronco II. The Bensalem Township School District bus was stopped at the time of the accident, with its stop arm and red lights activated. Shelly’s truck was not registered, but displayed a fictitious inspection sticker. It also had a broken speedometer and defrosters, a clogged heater port, and oversized tires that slide in the rain. Shelly was charged with homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter and related offenses.

The judge said his decision was based on sentencing guidelines, and noted that Shelly was not driving under the influence or speeding and did not show intent, but that he was reckless, WPVI reports. In addition to prison time, Shelly must also make a video for local high schools about the dangers of reckless driving, and must contribute to a scholarship fund created in Zeka's memory. Additionally, his license has been suspended, the news source reports.

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