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Hernando Today

Family Greets DUI Arrest With Relief

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By KYLE MARTIN

Hernando Today

Published: September 27, 2008

SPRING HILL - It's not clear how much she understands.

But, occasionally, Ariel Bethoney, 4, will stare at a picture of her late mother and simply declare: "I miss my mommy."

It's those moments that her uncle, Brian Costello, points to when he tries to describe how life has changed since the death of Jeanine Bethoney.

Ariel has been "cheated out of her mother," Costello said Friday. "They spent every day together."

It's been nine months since a two-car crash at U.S. 19 and Forest Oaks Boulevard that resulted in fatal injuries for Bethoney, 34. On Wednesday, the Florida Highway Patrol arrested the woman they say is responsible for the crash and charged her with DUI manslaughter.

Barbara Diffendal, 47, remains in the county jail in lieu of $55,000 bond.

Bethoney's husband, James, and the rest of the family greeted the news with relief. They considered Diffendal a flight risk because authorities say she fled the scene of the crash on Jan. 5.

FHP was waiting on toxicology results before making an arrest.

Costello said his mother has filled the maternal role for Ariel to a certain extent, but "it's still not the same."

Reporter Kyle Martin can be reached at 352-544-5271 or kmartin@hernandotoday.com

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