On January 28, 2011, five-year-old C.D.J. lost his life in a DUI-fueled car crash. C.B., the boy's mother, was at the wheel and two of her children were passengers, when they were suddenly rear-ended by a truck. At fault was a drunken driver, who now, a year later, is about to enter his plea, as reported by the Tallassee Democrat.
C.B. said of the upcoming anniversary of her son's death: "It's been hard getting to this day. I didn't want to get out of the bed. I didn't want to go to class. I just didn't want to see this day come. It feels like a bad Lifetime Network show. It just doesn't feel real."
According to Tallahassee Police Department records, R.H. was driving a 1997 Ford F-350 when he plowed into C.B.'s 2005 Nissan. The Nissan had been stopped at a light at North Monroe Street and close to the westbound Interstate 10 exit ramp.
All three occupants of the Nissan were transported to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare where C.D.J. succumbed to his injuries.
R.H. is facing charges of DUI manslaughter and several counts of property damages due to DUI. He is currently released on bail and scheduled to appear at a plea hearing on February 14.
To mark the anniversary of C.D.J.'s death, family members met outside of Greater St. Marks Primitive Baptist Church. C.B. told reporters, "I don't know how I was going to get through this day by myself without my family and friends."
Present to support C.B. was Kristen Allen, a state victim services manager for MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Allen remarked, "In a time of sorrow it can be consoling to reflect on how our lives have been enriched by the love we have shared. Those we have cared about left treasures behind that time can never take away. Remember those times and keep them in your heart forever."
Allen then added, "We need to talk more about the dangers of drunk driving because Florida has more than 58,000 DUI arrests. What 58,000 DUI arrests says to me is our society still sees this violent crime as just a mistake and that's unacceptable."
Allen said that there were 185 incidents reported in Leon County for 2010 – 185 injuries that were related to alcohol use, and six that resulted in deaths.
The anniversary ceremony allowed others to express their loss as well. C.D.J.'s grandfather, J.B., said, "Everywhere I turn in my house, every corner and every drawer, I find these little tokens, and I pick them up sometimes and put them right back, because I want them to continue to remind me of who he was…"
Next for C.B. is attending the trial that may possibly allow her a modicum of relief and closure. She added, "My struggle was trying to go back to life like it was before the accident, and it's just not possible."
If you are struggling with a defense for your DUI, DWI, OUI or OWI contact a DUI attorney that specializes in these types of cases. You may be able to make amends without jail time or stiff fines.