Massengale sentenced in crash that killed Normal Park teacher

The woman driving the second vehicle involved in a crash that killed a Normal Park Museum Magnet School teacher pleaded guilty Tuesday morning to speeding and driving without insurance, according to the Hamilton County District Attorney’s Office.

Neshala Massengale, 35, was driving east on Brainerd Road on Jan. 21 when 37-year-old Bethany Schklar pulled out from Elmwood Drive to turn left onto Brainerd Road.

Schklar sustained serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital where she died four days later.

Massengale also sustained injuries, though they weren’t considered serious.

Massengale was sentenced to 11 months and 29 days (90 days of which she must spend in custody) for speeding and driving without insurance. However, her attorney asked for and received a $5,000 appeal bond, meaning she will be on house arrest.

After the 90 days are up, Massengale will spend the rest of her sentence on probation. She is also required to complete 30 days of community service, during which she is required speak to high school students about the dangers of speeding and not having insurance.

Massengale’s sentence is the “maximum sentence allowed by law in General Sessions Court,” according to a Facebook post by the Hamilton County District Attorney’s Office.

Massengale’s attorney asked for and received a $5,000 appeal bond. As a condition of the bond, Massengale will be on house arrest.

Bethany’s mother, Patrcia Avery, plans to seek help from members of the Tennessee legislature to enact stiffer penalties for motor vehicle crashes involving fatalities.