Post by Scumhunter on Nov 24, 2018 17:10:58 GMT -5
(Above photo credit: nbc4i.com via US Marshals)
From 10tv.com (CBS 10 Columbus Ohio):
The family of a woman killed by a drunk driver said they won't stop until the defendant is behind bars.
Prosecutors said on July 14, 47-year-old Heather Tapia caused a crash at the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and Morse Road.
Her passenger, 39-year-old Audrey Gartin was killed in the accident.
Prosecutors said Tapia had eight prior OVI convictions and was under a five-year suspension of her driver's license at the time of the crash.
Gartin's family said she moved to Columbus to make a to make a fresh start after the devastating loss of her mother.
"She was overcome with loss. It was a grueling thing to watch. She died in hospice," said Audrey's aunt, Phyllis Holly.
The family was still coping with the loss of Audrey's mother when they got a phone call that she had been killed by a drunk driver.
"We lost someone special to us. She was a good person and she didn't deserve this," Holly said tearfully.
Columbus police said at the time of the crash, Tapia's blood alcohol level registered .138. That's nearly twice the legal limit.
The victim's family said they want justice for Audrey, and they want Tapia off the streets before she decides to get drunk, and get behind the wheel, again.
"It's an ugly story. And it's not a first-time offense. She's a reckless maniac," said Holly. "She needs to be in jail. She just needs to sit and think because obviously, she's not learning her lesson."
A grand jury has indicted Tapia on charges including Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, and Operating A Vehicle Under The Influence of Alcohol, a Drug of Abuse, or a Combination. There is currently a warrant for Tapia's arrest.
If you know her whereabouts, call the Columbus Division of Police or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 1-800-645-8447. Callers don't have to leave their name.
Thoughts? For those who don't know, OVI is the same as DUI (driving under the influence). I am assuming Tapia is unfortunately still at large as of this posting date (November 24th, 2018), since the articles about her about very recent. However, if anyone has any updates/proof-of-updates one way or the other, they are always more than welcome to let us know.
In any case, this is ridiculous and I'm a bit perturbed that after EIGHT OVI convictions, she had a 5-year suspension. Her license should have been completely revoked.
This isn't like some of the vehicular homicide fugitive cases we see on the forum where not excusing it but the suspect is some 20-year-old kid that's potentially just young and dumb, will serve his time, and hopefully work to redeem himself after his sentence. Heather Tapia is an adult 47-year-old woman, and imo, if she hasn't learned her lesson by now, she never will. It is imperative she be caught soon, because imo it's just a matter of time before she allegedly kills someone again while driving under the influence. Unfortunately, it's already too late for Audrey Gartin's family.
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