Tara MacMunn, a 41-year-old mother of three, was sentenced to four years in prison for causing a fatal crash while driving under the influence. Just before being taken into custody, she embraced her tearful daughters in a downtown courtroom, marking a poignant moment amid the tragedy.

On April 18, 2023, MacMunn was speeding and intoxicated when she collided with a Toyota Rav4 in Etobicoke, resulting in the death of 64-year-old Hazela Baksh. MacMunn pleaded guilty to impaired driving causing death in June. During the court proceedings, she expressed remorse, explaining that she had received a threatening text from an ex-boyfriend, which prompted her to drive recklessly in an attempt to protect her daughters.

At the time of the crash, MacMunn was driving at 110 km/h in a 50 km/h zone, despite the road being under construction and reduced to two lanes. Baksh was returning home from Ramadan prayers, traveling at just 11 km/h due to heavy traffic. The impact of the collision was devastating, and Baksh died at the scene.

Following the crash, MacMunn was taken to Sunnybrook Hospital, where a blood sample revealed her blood alcohol level was 210 mg/100 ml, nearly three times the legal limit. Additionally, she was driving with an expired license, which she had allowed to lapse due to anxiety about driving.

Baksh's family, who described her as the heart of their household, provided victim impact statements during the trial. They expressed their ongoing grief and the void left by her death. Justice Katherine Corrick noted the profound impact of Baksh's loss on her family, stating, "Ms. Baksh’s loved ones are left to mourn not only her untimely and needless death, but must now face a future without her."

The prosecution sought a ten-year sentence, while the defense argued for three years, citing MacMunn's remorse and her role as the primary caregiver for her daughters. Ultimately, the judge imposed a four-year sentence, along with a DNA order and an eight-year driving ban following her release. Justice Corrick emphasized the need for the sentence to reflect society's condemnation of impaired driving, stating, "the sentence must express society’s condemnation of Ms. MacMunn’s conduct and send a message to others who might be inclined to drink and drive."

After saying her final goodbyes, MacMunn was led away to begin her sentence, leaving behind a family forever changed by the tragedy of that night.