DAYTON, Ohio —

More than four years after a family from Mason was killed in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 75, the woman accused of killing them is on trial.

Abby Michaels, 25, of Xenia, faces six counts of murder and three counts of aggravated vehicular homicide. Last Friday, three additional counts of aggravated vehicular homicide and an OVI charge were dismissed.

On March 17, 2019, prosecutors said Michaels intentionally drove the wrong way on the interstate and crashed into another car killing Timmy Thompson, 51, his wife Karen Thompson, 50 and their 10-year-old daughter Tessa.

The Thompsons were on their way home to Mason after visiting family when they were hit head-on.

"By nightfall, that living family was no longer alive," assistant Montgomery County prosecutor Bryan Moore said in his opening statement.

Prosecutors said other drivers saw Michaels' car drive through an emergency turn-around and head north in the southbound lanes.

"And they watch in horror as that vehicle collides with the Thompson vehicle. That vehicle is being driven, controlled by Abby Michaels," Moore said.

Defense attorney Jay Adams called what happened tragic but said there is more to the story.

"This issue is whether or not Abby Michaels acted knowingly. That's the whole case," Adams said.

Adams said Michaels had suffered for years from a seizure disorder.

"At the end of this, Abby Michaels was involved in a tragic event with the Thompson family. That is very sad, but she didn't murder anybody. She suffered from a medical condition," Adams said.

One of the first people to testify Monday was Michaels' husband at the time of the crash, Kyle Pastorelle. He had filed for divorce two days prior and was not with Michaels that night.

Prosecutors showed surveillance footage of Michaels wearing a festive, green and white St. Patrick's Day hat at Ron's Pizza in Miamisburg.

Prosecutors pointed her out in the video leaving the restaurant at 7:43 p.m. that night.

Eleven minutes later, Pastorelle said Michaels called him asking to come over.

"I was pretty adamant on 'No, we're not doing this. It's not going to happen,' and that's when she told me that — she was driving at the time — and that's when she told me she was going to drive backwards on 75," Pastorelle said.

Pastorelle said Michaels sent him a text message a few minutes later and said, "Goodbye. I love you. I'm dying now."

By 8:10 p.m., Moraine police were dispatched to the deadly crash.

During cross-examination, Pastorelle testified to Michaels' medical issues.

"You were asked about seizures and whether you've actually seen any in the seven years. You know she's had them, correct?" Adams asked.

Pastorelle said, "Yeah."

Adams asked, "You know she's been hospitalized for them, correct?"

"Yes," Pastorelle answered.

The bench trial is expected to last most of the week.

TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey is expanding its list of residents who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination and the inclusion of one group has led to some pushback – smokers.

In addition to those age 65 years and older, those between 16 and 64 years of age who have certain medical conditions are now eligible to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Smoking is one of the ten conditions and state health officials say it’s the largest group, with millions of smokers in the state.

“Smoking puts you at significant risk for an adverse result from COVID-19. And there are 2 million smokers in New Jersey that fit into this category,” said the state’s health commissioner, Judith Persichilli at a Wednesday press conference with Gov. Phil Murphy.

The other conditions included are cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), Down syndrome, heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies), obesity, severe obesity, and sickle cell disease.

“We know individuals in these categories are at greater risk for severe COVID-19 illness and death,” said Persichilli.

The commissioner says 80% of COVID-19 deaths in New Jersey have been among those 65 years and older, and 67% of all COVID-19 deaths in the state had one or more underlying condition reported.

“However, we know this number is likely higher, because not all cases had data reported on whether those comorbidities or chronic conditions existed,” she said.

Persichilli said expanding vaccinations to these groups, “will help protect the most vulnerable amongst us.”

The decision to include smokers has already led to backlash, because they’ll be able to get vaccinated before some front-line workers, like teachers and public transit employees.

The state’s decision does lineup with guidance from the Centers from Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), though. Smoking is listed as medical condition that could lead to severe illness from COVID-19.

If you’re a smoker, the CDC says to quit.

“If you used to smoke, don’t start again. If you’ve never smoked, don’t start,” the agency wrote on its website.

Click here for resources that can help you kick the habit.