Cleveland, OH
Sentencing for driver guilty of crashing into Cleveland apartment, killing 69-year-old woman
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The driver convicted of causing a deadly explosion at an apartment building in November 2023 was sentenced Monday in Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.
On Jan. 21, a jury found Christopher Terry guilty of involuntary manslaughter, vehicular assault, failure to stop after an accident, and tampering with evidence.
Terry, who still says he was not the driver of the car that traveled up to 120 miles per hour, was sentenced to nine years in prison, which could be elevated to 12 years based on behavior.
Terry’s trial began Jan. 13 in front of Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Judge Ashley Kilbane.
Cleveland police said Terry, 40, was driving over 120 MPH when he lost control of his Dodge Challenger and crashed into an apartment building on E. 139th Street near Kinsman Road on Nov. 19, 2023.
Cleveland Fire Lt. Mike Norman said the crash compromised a gas line, causing the explosion.
The body of the victim, April Yarbrough, 69, was found the next morning.
Terry fled the scene after the crash.
He was arrested by the U.S. Marshals on Feb. 16, 2024 on Memphis Avenue in Cleveland.
PREVIOUS: Body of 69-year-old Cleveland woman found after apartment explosion; 2 firefighters injured
Below is previous coverage from 19 News on the day of the crash and explosion:
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Rachelle M. Hale, age 45, passed away on July 3, 2026. She was born on August 1, 1980, in Cleveland, Ohio, to her loving parents, Richard and Cheryl Hobbs.
Beloved wife of John Kevin Hale, Jr. Devoted mother of John Kevin Hale, III, Jacob Hale, Zackary Hale, and Hannah Hale. Cherished grandmother of John Hale, IV, Alivia Hale, Zayden Hale, Avianna Atwood, Aunika Hale, Jonnalynn Hale, Layla Hale, Ja’Von Atwood, Jr., and Jacob Hale, Jr. Dear sister of Kelly Hobbs, Rickie Hobbs, Donald Hobbs, and Shane Hobbs. Treasured aunt to a host of nieces and nephews.
Rachelle found her greatest joy in spending time with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren, who brought endless happiness to her life. She will be remembered for the love she shared, the memories she created, and the unwavering devotion she had for those she held dear. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Slone & Co. Life Celebration Center 3556 W. 130th St. Cleveland, OH 44111. A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., at West Park Cemetery 3942 Ridge Rd, Cleveland, OH 44144 (Please meet at cemetery gates by 11:15 a.m.).
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A man was found dead in the street early Monday, and three others were hospitalized after a shooting on Cleveland’s East Side early Monday morning.
According to a release from Cleveland Police, at around 3:18 a.m., officers in the Fourth District responded to a ShotSpotter alert in the area of East 102nd Street and Sophia Avenue.
While en route to the initial location, two 17-year-old girls approached the officers and told them they had been shot while driving in the area of East 116th Street and Buckeye Road.
When officers arrived at East 102nd Street and Sophia Avenue, they found two more victims with gunshot wounds, a 21-year-old man and a 30-year-old man.
The 30-year-old man, identified as Sharon Darius Walker, was pronounced dead in the roadway on the scene.
The three other victims were taken to the hospital and are stable.
Police said the investigation is still ongoing.
This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
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