Jessica Cusumano in court over South Coast crash death of Ivy Sutherland
A woman has faced court eight months after she was allegedly involved in head-on crash which killed a 97-year-old Sydney woman.
Illawarra Star
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A medical student charged with killing an elderly woman and injuring two others in a fatal south coast crash has faced court for the first time, crying as she left the building.
Jessica Cusumano, of Shoalhaven Heads, is accused of driving dangerously and negligently on the morning of Tuesday September 22, killing 97-year-old Ivy Sutherland.
Police allege Ms Cusumano was travelling along Gerroa Road between Berry and Shoalhaven Heads in a Suzuki Vitara about 10am.
She allegedly collided head-on with a Kia Sportage, of which Ms Sutherland was a back seat passenger.
Despite the work of paramedics, the 97-year-old died at the scene while the 69-year-old driver and 76-year-old passenger were rushed to hospital for treatment to internal injuries.
Ms Cusumano was trapped for a short period of time and once released was taken to hospital with leg and internal injuries.
Following investigations, Ms Cusumano was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving occasioning death and two counts of negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.
The 33-year-old faced Nowra Local Court for the first time on Monday where the matter was adjourned while a brief is being served.
Ms Cusumano was supported at court by her partner and parents, and walked away from the building in tears.
When questioned outside the court whether she had anything to say to the family of the alleged victim, she remained silent.
Ms Cusumano’s Facebook page states she is a medical student at the University of Wollongong.
The 97-year-old woman killed in the crash, Ms Sutherland, is believed to be from Sydney’s south, with family leaving an obituary online.
“We were lucky to have had her for as long as we did,” it reads.
“Thank you to everyone for the love and support shown.”
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