DEKALB COUNTY, GA — A woman convicted of vehicular homicide in the death of a child in Decatur has been sentenced to 15 years, with five years to serve in custody.

Michelle Wierson was driving 51 miles per hour in a 25 mile-per-hour zone when she crashed into the back of a car carrying 5-year-old Miles Jenness in the back seat.

Miles’ father said he was stopped at a red light at Midway Road and South Candler Street when Wierson rear-ended his car and then struck two other vehicles. Witnesses said it did not appear she tried to use her brakes.

The child was found pinned behind the front passenger seat and suffered brain and spinal injuries. He later died at the hospital.

Wierson was convicted of reckless driving and homicide by vehicle in connection with the 2018 crash.

Her attorneys said she suffered from mental health problems and at the time of the crash believed God told her that her daughter was in danger and needed to be saved.

As part of her sentence, Wierson will receive mental health treatment and is not allowed to drive while on probation.

WSB Radio’s Mary Ryan Howarth contributed to this story.