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Mom Faces 3 Years in Jail After Son, 4, Killed While Jaywalking
Filed under: In The News
Raquel Nelson may not have been the one behind the wheel in the hit-and-run accident that killed her 4-year-old son, A.J., but she still faces three years in jail for jaywalking with the boy.
"Today" reports the mother and her three kids stepped off a bus last spring in Marietta, Ga., and attempted to cross four lanes of traffic without a crosswalk when a van hit them.
Nelson and one daughter suffered minor injuries, according to the news show, while another daughter was unharmed. The driver, Jerry Guy, was eventually arrested, plead guilty to one charge of hit and run and served six months in jail. He is currently on probation, "Today" reports.
Nelson was convicted of second degree vehicular homicide, reckless conduct and failure to use a crosswalk, and faces three years in prison, according to the news show. This disparity has some crying foul.
"Ms. Nelson was shown no sympathy whatsoever by the system," attorney David Schwartz tells "Today." "This will live with her forever."
Nelson tells the news show she continuously replays the accident in her mind.
"I guess it's hard to explain if you've never been through something like that, but you're always going to relive it," she tells "Today."
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ReaderComments (Page 3 of 3)
7-26-2011 @ 9:52AM
MisElaineous13 said...Tragic. Whatever led to this poor choice for this mom, it will haunt her her whole life.
We know the van driver was impaired, by his own admission.
I'd like to see a tox screen on the mom.Did she have drugs or alcohol in her system?
Yes, I sympathize with her, but I don't think we got the whole story.
I definitely believe the driver should have gotten more than 6 months for a 3rd offense, and this one involved a death.
He should have been behind bars for at least 10 years.
Now, what sentence should she face? Seems odd to see this mom facing any jail time when Casey Anthony got away with murder.
I pray the judge has mercy on her and gives her probation.
That would be justice.
Reply
7-25-2011 @ 6:55PM
john anderson said...That's what happens when you break the law.
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7-25-2011 @ 7:53PM
livefreeordie said...That's what happens when you break the law and somebody dies because of it. It is the jaywalker's responsibility to assume driver inattention and avoid cars.
7-25-2011 @ 7:19PM
BBH said...The problem is not her going to jail. The problem is the driver got only 6 months. Where're Al & Jesse? If the driver were white, then this outcome would be decried as racist.
Absolutely horrible that this mother lost a child. I am sick of jaywalkers ambling out into the street at any point and at anytime they choose. There is a bus stop closer to the crosswalk. How many close calls did she have before this incident? How many times did she brush off drivers honking at her or locking up the breaks as she walked across the street?
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7-25-2011 @ 7:20PM
BBH said...brakes
7-25-2011 @ 7:50PM
Americana said...This punishment is insane. We are becoming so communist-like in our lack of compassion when it comes to accidents. Accidents happen! They're part of life! You don't PUNISH people over accidents; it's cruel and lacks compassion. This mother suffered the worst punishment possible for her mistake ~ the loss of her precious child. To kick her while she's down is inhumane and reflects a heartless society.
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7-25-2011 @ 8:04PM
jimleo2 said...Even when bad decisions or committing a crime lead to the accident? You would also exonerate drunk drivers that have accidents after making the bad decision of committing DUI. The driver is also having to live with the guilt of his accident.
7-25-2011 @ 8:16PM
janis. said...This is heartbreaking and so unfair. This poor woman has suffered more than most. I hope when her trials end that she will find some comfort and even joy.
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7-25-2011 @ 8:18PM
jemstone said...No mother who walks across town with three kids in tow, can be called Lazy. Really. You namecallers should try it some time.
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7-25-2011 @ 9:42PM
Mari said...As I read through some of these comments I couldn't help but wonder when I would come across one from a truthful and down to earth parent. Luckily I did, I was starting to fear I had entered another dimension. Jaywalking!!!!!!! Seriously people, you want this mother of 4, who was riding the bus with her 4 kids to do time for JAYWALKING?!?!?!? I understand it was not the best decision but seriously, talk about kicking someone when they're down. This poor woman made a bad choice, one that millions of people make on a daily basis with no consequences. The only difference here is she was met with a drunk driver on that street, and rather than crossing the street like millions of people do, she's mourning the death of her child. I am appalled at the grandiosity of those who think they are qualified to judge this woman. If you are so desperate to share your opinion on parenting and what harsh punishment should be passed on those who don't meet your standards, find the hundreds of Casey Anthony sites out there and spread all your venom where it's well deserved.
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7-25-2011 @ 11:13PM
Shannon said...All the people calling this woman lazy are the ones who probably drive their kids to the bus stop three driveways down.
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7-26-2011 @ 9:05AM
Theresa D Davis said...I'm confused, Blacks are ALWAYS playing the race card yet whites seem to be the ones asking for Jesse and Al??? What does the childs race matter, he's gone and NOT coming back. Some of you are so mean, cold hearted and just plain old disgusting!!! Your racist comments are sickening...
Reply
7-28-2011 @ 9:42AM
pennyargos said...The bus stop was right across from her home. The crosswalk was 1/3 of a mile away. So she would have had to walk with 3 kids and her packages in tow 1/3 the mile up and 1/3 a mile back down just to get to her front door that was directly across the road.
I don't know about you but walking 2/3 of a mile up and down a busy road with kids and groceries sounds alot more dangerous than looking both ways and crossing.
Who's to say that even if she was in the cross walk a drunk driver would have stopped. Some of you act like the crosswalk is majic and no one gets run over crossing in them.
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7-27-2011 @ 7:44PM
Susan said...Maybe this will make other lazy people use the cross walk! I think she should go to jail and her other kids should be taken away from her! What a TERRIBLE mother to jay-walk with your kids! It makes me so angry when I see this happening!! I could go on and on, but my point is made.
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