California woman allegedly causes a fatal crash in a construction zone on I-15. Then police find out what she was watching on her phone
Don't use your phone while driving.
Christine Chao of Rosemead, California, faces a second-degree felony charge of automobile homicide following a fatal collision on I-15. The incident occurred on June 12, when Chao allegedly struck a white sedan that had slowed down within a construction zone.
According to charging documents viewed by KSL, the crash involved three vehicles. Two cars were moving at a reduced speed when Chao hit the rearmost vehicle. This impact pushed that car into the SUV traveling in front of it, and all three vehicles exited the roadway. Scott LaVar Lichfield, a 66-year-old Utah man, was a passenger in one of the impacted cars. He suffered a head injury during the accident and was airlifted to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Law enforcement officers noted that there were no signs of brake marks at the scene, suggesting Chao did not slow down before the collision. She allegedly admitted fault to first responders when they arrived. Investigators later obtained a warrant for her phone to determine the cause of the distraction.
Chao allegedly done something X-rated minutes before the accident
They discovered that Chao accessed the website xvideos.com less than two minutes before the crash occurred. While the legal proceedings move forward, a summons has been issued for Chao to appear at future court hearings rather than an immediate arrest.
The loss of Lichfield has left a significant void in his family. His relatives shared an obituary that described him as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He had celebrated his 39th wedding anniversary with his wife, Debbie, only one day before the accident. The family stated, “It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our sweet Husband, Dad, Papa (Pop Pop), Uncle, Cousin, Nephew. He was one very loved gentle soul. He died on June 12, 2026, from injuries sustained in an auto accident.”
Beyond his role as a family man, Lichfield was active in his community as a finance professional and a Sunday school teacher. His family noted his dedication to those roles, mentioning, “Scott served faithfully in many callings as a Sunday School Teacher to a couple of crowds of boys and a lone girl. He loved those kids.”
Lichfield was deeply loved by his family
He also served as a nursery leader, an Elders Quorum teacher, and a scout leader. The family added, “This calling was his complete heart. He loved serving among all these good men. He served as a financial clerk in three different wards.”
Lichfield is survived by his wife, five children, and 11 grandchildren. His family reflected on his kindness and his deep connection to his grandchildren, noting that he spent time reading to them, playing chess, and building legos.
They shared, “The very best thing he loved was just being with his children and grandchildren. He would see a grandchild and say to them, ‘Come give me a hug.’ He loved them so very much.” The family expressed that they will miss his friendly nature and noted that he would have been touched to see how many people held him in high regard. They shared, “We have felt the love and kindness from so many people. He would have been so touched to know how very loved he was.”
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
Follow The Mary Sue:
