CBS Atlanta 46Teen pleads guilty in crash that killed Villa Rica High School student

The mother of a Villa Rica High School student who died at the hands of a drunk driver said her life has been altered forever.

Debbie Sauls said she'll never get to see her daughter, Cheyenne Sauls, grow up as she testified at the sentencing hearing for the teenager who admits to being responsible for the girl's death.

"My life has changed so much," Debbie Sauls said.

Cheyenne Sauls, who was 16 years old, died in February when 17-year-old Jason Lark drove drunk and flipped his car. Another teenager was badly injured.

Lark in court on Friday pleaded guilty to drunken driving and vehicular homicide. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison and will have to serve at least seven years.

The victim's mother struggled as she spoke through her tears but showed mercy for Lark. "I've asked myself, ‘What would Cheyenne want?' She would say, ‘Mama, I want you to forgive Jason. It was an accident.' Jason I forgive you. It took me a long time, but I am not mad at you."

Lark, in handcuffs and wearing a tan Douglas County jumpsuit, could barely control his emotions as cried and told the victim's family and friends he's sorry. "I never wanted this to happen," Lark said. "It should've been me. It take full responsibility for what I did."

Lark and Cheyenne Sauls were at a party in Douglasville where teenagers were allowed to drink. A total of 10 people are charged in this case. Authorities have said each one of them supplied alcohol at two parties Cheyenne Sauls went to the night of her death.

Dustin Willis, also charged with vehicular homicide, will plead guilty at a later date, said Douglas County district attorney David McDade.

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