“ ... At first, I didn’t cry nor move, just sat there and asked if they were sure if that was her ... ”
I learned that this individual was speeding excessively and hit her at 101 miles per hour at more than twice the legal alcohol limit while distracted by his phone. His car went under her car, flipped her up into a rock embankment and then she was ejected onto the highway where she died. The driver drove away further down the highway and he ended up near a convenience store; a mile or two from the crash. He jumped out of his car and ran. The convenience store employee saw the red paint from Renee’s car on the driver’s white vehicle before contacting the police. We then received the news and time stopped. We didn’t know what was happening until gaining clarity through the communication between law enforcement. At first, I didn’t cry nor move; just sat there and asked if they were sure if that was her. Renee’s driver’s license was confirmed before mentioning that alcohol was involved with the other driver. My life has changed in every way possible since the crash. I resigned from work and my husband was transferred to Pennsylvania, coincidently about 15-20 miles from Renee’s
past residence. Although I have great fun with my youngest daughter, it’s not the same as when we were all together as a family. I couldn’t listen to music for ten years afterwards. The criminal justice process was tumultuous due to the court continuances and learning the legal system. I never appeared in a court room nor spoke with news press. I was bombarded by constant news from reviewing previous news stories. The offender was arrested after assaulting and wounding two police officers during apprehension. A canine officer located the offender; the offender was irritated because the dog was holding onto his leg. This knowledge infuriated me because of the offender’s complaint during the same time my daughter was on a highway. The offender was sentenced to 7-14 years from felonies and we petitioned every time parole was due. He was later released, able to breathe and live. I could tell he wasn’t remorseful.
MADDvocate ®
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