If the facts of the chase did not support the conviction, well, that is one reason that appeals courts exist. She should not have walked away free, regardless, in my opinion, so am not annoyed that she was convicted.
IANAL, but would have predicted Manslaughter, from a truly impartial, non-inflamed jury.
From a political viewpoint, yes, the community “needed” a conviction, for “healing/closure.” Sigh.