Posted on 07/15/2007 6:29:49 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin
ELKHORN, WI (AP) -- The mother of a pregnant woman killed in a single-car crash wants homicide charges against the driver dropped even though authorities allege he was drunk.
Michelle Hamilton said her daughter, Courtney Hamilton, made a mistake by getting into a car with Mark A. Friesema, 21, of Delavan.
Friesema faces two counts of homicide by intoxicated driving in the deaths of Hamilton and the unborn child. Friesema's blood alcohol level shortly after the crash was 0.151 percent, nearly twice the legal limit, according to the criminal complaint.
"I've talked to the family and (to) Mark. I've met him personally. I have no ill feelings toward him whatsoever," Michelle Hamilton said. "It was a dumb mistake."
Courtney Hamilton had been planning an abortion, according to her mother. Michelle Hamilton also suspects her daughter had been drinking before the crash.
According to police, Friesema was traveling about 55 mph when he lost control of his car and crashed into a tree. The passenger side of the car took the brunt of the impact and Courtney Hamilton was pronounced dead at the scene.
"I think he's genuine, and he's sorry. I've seen it in his eyes when he apologized," Michelle Hamilton said.
Walworth County District Attorney Phil Koss said he has not spoken to Michelle Hamilton personally and did not comment on the charges. Friesema faces up to 51 years in prison, if convicted.
"I think he's already paid the price," Hamilton said. "He's going to be paying the price the rest of his life."
Thankfully it’s not up to her.
Yep.
Like mother, like daughter.
This female ( I will NOT call her a woman or a lady) has to be a liberal moonbat of the highest order.
No, it's not a mistake.
Anyone with a blood alcohol level of 0.151 percent, should never get behind the wheel of a car. Call a cab, call a friend
Just because someone is dumb or drunk enough to get in the car with him doesn't excuse his behavior.
Really? What price was that? It seems as the Hamilton "family", has a cheap view of life.
Courtney Hamilton had been planning an abortion..
Planning an abortion? That's a hell of a "plan".
Anyone who drinks and drives should be jailed.
What you said is true and rational.
The problem is getting someone under the influence of a mind altering drug to make a rational decision.
Some times I wonder who the crazy one is, those who can not make a rational decision under the influence of a mind altering drug, or those who expect them to.
Knowing it is impossible to make rational decisions under the influence, the only rational thing to do is to not get under the influence in the first place.
Thank God for MAD, and the resulting laws, they have done us a great service by instilling in much of the public conscience the danger of drinking and driving, never mind its stupidity.
As to the mother, yes it is in the hands of others, but could it be that she is also an understanding gracious lady. Sure he should pay a price, but 51 years for a stupid youthful mistake?
Flame away, if you are qualified to throw the first stone!
That's ridiculous
People can drink and drive responsibly, I can have a couple of drinks with some friends and MAKE a decision to wait about an hour after my last drink to drive.
If I am falling down drunk, which I haven't done in years, I would call a cab or my wife, which would be much worse then getting pulled over
Oh' I agree the penalty is excessive, but the charges should not be dropped. He did after all kill someone
“Stupid is as stupid does”
Mama Gump
I can honestly say with out a doubt, in my youth, I was under the influence of mind altering drugs or alcohol almost on a daily basis. I'm talking serious usage.
I managed to make rational decisions. I can't tell how many times I pulled over to sleep it off because I knew I was in no condition to drive and I was totally wasted
I once fell asleep in the middle of the road after I stopped and got out of my car, a friend stopped and woke me up before I got run over.
And some people are lucky that the tree he hit wasn't another car and he could have killed many more.
I agree with you on this. If the kid is basically a good kid and not some unrepentent, souless, habituall ofender, why destroy two lives?
A court can order probation, alcohol counseling and keep him on the straight and narrow OR send him to jail. Nothing gets done if the charges are dropped. He IS guilty of something, whether this moonbat mom thinks so or not. The courts are much better at handling this then she is.
It’s not just a ‘mistake’. It’s manslaughter.
Waiting an hour is not drinking and driving after 2 drinks (I'm assuming you're an average man who won't be dead drunk on 2 avg. drinks). That is legal..and fine...
I said that people who are drinking and driving (didn't say they waited the suggested time afterwards).....should be jailed.
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