A Bethel woman who struck and killed two motorcyclists while driving under the influence of alcohol last year was sentenced to a year in jail and ordered to pay restitution to the victims' families.

Paula Lynn Larson, 43, was sentenced to 69 months in prison before Anoka County District Judge Thomas Fitzpatrick stayed the sentence and placed her on 10 years' probation and ordered her to the year in jail. Larson pleaded guilty in August to two counts of criminal vehicular homicide.

Larson, who has no prior criminal history, was westbound on Viking Boulevard in East Bethel when her vehicle collided with a motorcycle carrying two people. It was determined that alcohol was a contributing factor.

Killed in the crash were John A. Jordan, 48, and Patricia L. Kalla, 46.

"We all know that drunk driving has catastrophic ramifications, often including the loss of lives as in this case," Anoka County Attorney Tony Palumbo said. "This kind of tragedy is completely preventable."

Paul Levy