Utah Woman Charged With Homicide After Allegedly Watching Explicit Content on Phone Before Fatal 3-Car Crash

A 44-year-old California woman has been charged with automobile homicide after allegedly causing a fatal three-car crash in Utah while viewing p**rnographic content on her mobile phone. Christine Chao, a resident of Rosemead, California, was charged on Tuesday, October 20, in connection with the June 12 accident on Interstate 15 (I-15), according to media reports.

Utah Three-Car Crash: What Happened?

According to charging documents cited by local media, traffic on I-15 had slowed considerably because of road construction when Chao allegedly drove her blue SUV into a white sedan. The impact pushed the sedan into another vehicle travelling ahead, resulting in a chain-reaction collision involving three vehicles.

All three vehicles reportedly veered off the road following the crash. Scott LaVar Lichfield, 66, who was sitting in the backseat of one of the vehicles, sustained a fatal head injury. Who Is Laken Snelling? Former Kentucky Cheerleader Sentenced to 10 Years in Newborn’s Death.

Investigators alleged that Chao was distracted by content on her phone immediately before the collision. According to reports, an examination of her mobile device revealed that she had accessed a p**rnographic website less than two minutes before the crash.

Chao reportedly told responding officers that she was responsible for the accident. Investigators also noted that there were no visible brake marks on the road, suggesting that she may not have attempted to slow down before striking the vehicle ahead. The allegations are part of the investigation and court proceedings. Ex-US Sniper Nick Betts Claims Secret Area 51 Battle With ‘Reptilian’ Entities Left Soldier Dead.

Who Was Scott LaVar Lichfield?

Lichfield, 66, was remembered by his family as a loving husband, father and grandfather. His obituary described him as a beloved member of the family and a gentle person who touched the lives of those around him.

He was also recognised for his involvement in his local religious community, where he served as a Sunday school teacher, scout leader and financial clerk. According to his obituary, Lichfield enjoyed working with children and took great pride in his community service.

His death has brought renewed attention to the consequences of distracted driving and the risks associated with using mobile phones behind the wheel.

Distracted Driving and Road Safety

The Utah crash highlights the dangers of taking one's attention away from the road, particularly in areas where traffic is moving slowly because of construction work. Drivers who use their phones while driving may fail to notice changes in traffic conditions, leaving little time to react and avoid a collision.

Authorities routinely warn motorists to keep their attention on driving and avoid activities that could compromise road safety.

Chao's case follows the fatal June collision, with the automobile homicide charge filed in October. Further details about the legal proceedings and any potential court outcome were not available in the cited reports.

The allegations against Chao have been reported by TMZ, KSL and ABC4. She has been charged in connection with the fatal crash, and the case will proceed through the legal system.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 21, 2026 10:19 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).