The coroner's inquest hearing was today for my daughters' deaths. In our state, if you die of anything other than natural causes, a coroner's investigation is held to determine cause and manner of death.
The accident reconstruction officer from the state police stated that the trooper was travelling at 126 mph 2 seconds before he hit my girls. He was travelling 102 mph when he hit their car. They were killed on impact.
The jury returned a verdict of reckless homicide against the trooper.
29 comments:
Kim.
I don't know what to say...I'm so so sorry. I'm sure today has been one of the hardest days for you in this whole nightmare. I don't know you and I didn't know your two beautiful girls but I am thinking about you and praying for you. Sending you a big cyberhug from Reno, NV.
Wow Wow Wow. What do you say? I admire you so much for your strength and conviction. It can't be easy for you to go on living your life but you are doing it. You are an inspiration. Continue to be strong and let all of our prayers for you and your daughter lift you up. God Bless.
I just read about it in stltoday and came straight here. Your update hadn't even been posted yet on my reader. I'm so sorry. So, so sorry. What happens now? I'm so proud of your strength and courage.
No punishment can bring the girls back to you, but I hope there is swift and adiquate punishment for this heinus and reckless crime. You and all of your girls are in my prayers.
You know, I mentioned before that I passed the accident late on that afternoon. When I read the report in the BND my first thought was that the trooper HAD to have been driving recklessly - even if he was cut off, blah blah blah - I believe they are trained in defensive driving for emergency situations and it just didn't seem possible that he could have been following any part of that. Not to mention, he was going to an accident that had already happened - so why the rush? It's not like he was an EMT that had to provide emergency services.
I've been harboring some pissed-off feelings about this, as I read the follow-up reports. When Dana linked to your blog I was astounded by your lack of animosity - it's great, don't get me wrong - your posts are a beautiful testiment to your girls and your feelings of loss.
I don't know that I could be so gracious, you know?
That is a beautiful photo. You and your girls are in my prayers.
What a beautiful photo of utterly beautiful girls.
My heart goes out to both you and Maddie. I didn't know how the accident happened until now, and it's so very tragic. There are no words to express how much I feel for you. I'm literally crying...
Just letting you know that even on the other side of the world there are people thinking of you both.
I saw the story on FOX 2'website, and came here....I know that knowing the officer was to blame, really does nothing to bring the girls back, but they can rest now knowing you know the truth.
Life is hard, and thanfully you still have your beautiful daughter with you to enjoy every precious moment. My prayers for you and your family!
Kim,
The photo of your girls seemed to capture them. It is beautiful.
I am so sorry. We keep sending warm thoughts and prayers your way.
I saw the article on stltoday.com and came over to say I hope you are holding up well. I know that hearing must have been extremely stressful for you.
If nothing else, I hope that maybe this ruling will make other police officers think twice before speeding when it's not necessary. I see officers speeding unnecessarily in my neighborhood all the time, sometimes without any lights on. I doubt they are thinking about how dangerous it can be.
How does one get "cut off" going 128 mph? Like Susan said, no punishment can bring your beautiful girls back but I really do hope this recklessness does not go unpunished. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
i read of you first through mamalogues. i saw the story online this afternoon. found your site again and wanted to let you know that you have a silent fan club cheering you during these difficult days. i pray that you find some peace.
Of course I heard today too on KTRS and my jaw fell to my desk...oh dear..
those beautiful girls must be there with you today, I'm sure of it..
prayers and hugs...
I saw the article and came to your site. You are incredibly brave and strong and you are in my prayers.
Kim,
I am so, so sorry. You have been in my thoughts and prayers since I saw your site from Mamalogues. You obviously have tremendous family and friends around you, and I truly admire your strength throughout this horrible ordeal. I know God is taking care of your daughters and watching over you all.
Wow, Kim! I don't even know what to say!
I just saw the news, I am so sorry. The picture of your girls is beautiful.
I love this pic, darlin. Thoughts and prayers for you today my dear. I'll be at church til 8, but call me anytime. Love you.
I just found your blog...
And I'm so sorry...I don't know what to say.
You're in my thoughts and prayers..
I am so sorry for all of this. God does not give out more than one can handle. I will keep praying for you and your daughter. Good luck with your race. Why do I have this feeling you will do great??
When I read the article on stltoday I thought, well at least now they know and immediately thought so, it doesn't change anything. Hopefully it will stand as a reminder to ALL that there is simply never a reason to go that fast.
my thoughts & prayers are with you.
Every time I think about this accident, I get so pissed off at the officer who caused it. Yes, of course he feels bad, but that doesn't change the fact that he was driving 126 mph. and caused a tragic accident. He was totally irresponsible in so many ways - driving too fast, not having his sirens and dash cam on, rushing to the scene of an accident that had already been secured, etc. I think I read (or heard) somewhere that this isn't the first time he was speeding and caused an accident - don't know if it's true or not...
I can't say I know exactly how you feel, but I've been through something similar - my little brother was killed when he was 20 because his friend driving the car he was riding in decided to play "chicken" in a no-passing zone at the top of a hill. My brother was the only one killed. It took me a long time, but I had to forgive him because if I didn't, all of the hatred would have consumed me.
Your girls are absolutely beautiful, on the inside and the outside. I have been praying for you and your family since the accident. Be strong and know that there are so many people out there who care about you.
Kim,
There are no words that will fix or take away your pain. I am praying for you to find solace in the truth and knowing that so many people are keeping you and your family in their thoughts and prayers.
I've had you and Maddy in my thoughts all evening since I heard the news to come. There are no words except the belief that God is also crying over this tragedy.
Your daughters are gorgeous.
I heard on the radio this morning and just want to say I'm thinking about you.
Gulp. Big hug darling, deep breaths.
Wishing you and Maddie peace and love. May your beautiful girls rest in peace, may he ache with shame every day at his crime.
I've just come by via Frogdancer and just have no words.
From the other side of the world you and your family are in my heart and thoughts.
There are not enough words to express
the heartache of losing two beautiful and loving daughters to a reckless tragedy like this.
I've also come by via Frogdancer. I have known loss, but never like this.
I will hold you in my thoughts too , wishing you much strength as you remember, honour and cherish their sweet though brief lives.
Kim,
I, too, am one of those who don't know what to say. I just read that the trooper's salary ($64,000+) has been continued to be paid while he has not been working. I am appalled by the whole thing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My god. I am so, so sorry. Your girls were beautiful and I admire your strength in this awful time.
Hang in there, girl. ((Hugs))
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