Mich. trucker who killed 5 in crash to leave prison

The News-Times of Hartford City, Ind., is reporting that Robert Spencer is being released about a year after his sentencing on charges of reckless homicide and criminal recklessness. Spencer pleaded guilty last year and was given an eight-year prison sentence with four years suspended.

The Associated Press

8/29/2008

WESTVILLE, Ind. — A newspaper says a truck driver convicted in a 2006 crash that killed four Taylor University students and a staff member -- including two women from Illinois -- could be free soon.

The News-Times of Hartford City, Ind., is reporting that Robert Spencer is being released about a year after his sentencing on charges of reckless homicide and criminal recklessness.

An official at Westville Correctional Facility could not confirm Thursday night whether Spencer was being released and said more information would be available Friday.

Spencer pleaded guilty last year and was given an eight-year prison sentence with four years suspended.

Elizabeth A. Smith of Mount Zion, Illinois, and Laurel E. Erb of St. Charles, Illinois, were among those killed in the crash.