A California woman has been accused of causing a fatal car crash in Utah while watching adult videos on her phone, according to a local report by ABC 4. The woman, identified as 44-year-old Christine Chao, was charged with automobile homicide, a second-degree felony, for the June 12 crash that resulted in the death of a 66-year-old man.
Chao was driving on Interstate 15 near Levan, Utah, where traffic was slowed for a construction zone. According to the charging documents from KSL, Chao’s car struck a white sedan, which then collided with an SUV ahead, sending all three vehicles off the road. “Two vehicles were traveling at a slower speed when a vehicle driven by the defendant, Christine Chao, struck the rearmost vehicle, causing it to crash into the vehicle ahead of it,” the documents read.
Chao reportedly “told officers she was at fault” for the fatal car crash. A warrant was obtained to search Chao’s phone, with officials discovering she had accessed an adult website less than two minutes before the crash. Responding officers noted that they did not see any brake marks on the road, which would have indicated that Chao tried to slow down.
The victim was a loving father and grandfather
Scott LaVar Lichfield, 66, was riding in the backseat of one of the vehicles when he suffered a fatal head injury. He was airlifted to the hospital but, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries, according to a report by Fox 13. Lichfield had just celebrated his 39th wedding anniversary with his wife the day before the crash, according to his obituary. He is survived by his wife and five children.
“It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our sweet Husband, Dad, Papa (Pop Pop), Uncle, Cousin, Nephew,” read his obituary at the time. “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. Nursery leader, Elders Quorum Teacher, Scout Leader (a calling that he completely loved with all his heart), and Financial Clerk. This calling was his complete heart. He loved serving among all these good men. He served as a financial clerk in three different wards.”
The case is subject to further legal proceedings, during which the allegations and evidence can be examined. A charge does not automatically establish guilt, and the outcome will depend on the legal proceedings. Thus, no final verdict or sentence has been established yet.
Published: Oct 22, 2026 07:30 am