Woman acquitted in crash that killed 3 children in Wisconsin

ELLSWORTH, Wis. (AP) — Jurors have acquitted a woman accused of texting before a 2013 crash that killed her daughter and two nieces in western Wisconsin.

The jury deliberated less than two hours Wednesday before finding 35-year-old Kari Jo Milberg of Centuria not guilty on all counts.

Pierce County prosecutors alleged Milberg was sending and receiving Facebook messages just before she lost control of her SUV on Highway 35 near Prescott and collided with a truck.

Milberg's 11-year-old daughter, Lydia, and her two 5-year-old nieces, Laynie Jo Amos and Clara Pavek, were killed.

WCCO-TV reports defense attorneys called no witnesses.

In closing arguments, prosecutor Sean Froelich argued that Milberg was messaging while driving on a dangerous, winding road.

Defense attorney Aaron Nelson countered the crash was caused by slippery roads and worn tires.