Let’s see if this will be left unanswered….
Representative Weiss,
“Just over two years ago I lost a friend, Ian Quick, known locally as “Spyk”, who was killed by a hit and run driver named Gavin Clifford Hawk. In depth details about the entire incident can be found here: https://toddsingleton.net/chronicle/?p=492
At the time of Spyk’s death it was suspected, but could not be proven by investigating detectives, that Mr. Hawk had been drinking with his father at a Hurricanes game minutes before he hit Spyk on I-40. It is the suspected reason he left the scene of the fatal collision. I was with the family at the time authorities identified and apprehended Mr. Hawk who ultimately received the maximum sentence available in NC for a Felony Hit and Run, 24 months. Mr. Hawk was recently released from prison.
As you may well know from media reports there has been another hit and run incident resulting in the death of Melissa Sue Johnson as she crossed South Saunders Street this past Sunday evening. The incident prompted my correspondence. As of the time of my writing investigators are still trying to identify the perpetrator.
The problem is obvious: If and when investigators locate the driver who struck and killed Mrs. Johnson the most this person is eligible to receive is 8-24 months in prison dependent upon prior convictions etc. Fleeing the scene of a hit and run accident is far more beneficial to a drunk driver than hanging around to face increased charges of attempted homicide, manslaughter or murder. Two years is a pittance compared to the sentence levied upon conviction of any of those charges. The state needs a solid deterrent to fleeing the scene of an accident when death or injury may have occurred.
As a constituent of Wake County, and a supporter of the family members who have lost loved ones to hit and run drivers, I humbly ask that you consider introducing legislation into the North Carolina General Assembly making a hit and run conviction a Class C Felony at minimum with a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison. It is currently a Class H felony, the same classification as felony possession of stolen goods. This is an insult to the families of the victims since, in great probability, the assailant had a reason to flee the scene that could include, but is not limited to drunk driving, outstanding warrants or an illegal immigration status. It’s time for NC felony hit and run sentencing guidelines to catch up with the times.
Thanks for your time.”
Thank You Todd You Are A Wonderful Man The world needs more it seems like no one cares that it does not matter drunk or sober it is the same thing in my mind. You Left my son on the side of the Road what if he had been alive? & You Could have save him with a phone call to Emergency Staff?? Well Thank You he aws not alive whike he flew thru the air & then landed on road The Dr. At Hospital Promised me this & I am greatful But At the time of this murder He was NOT suppose to be driving his licensce was suspended for ANOTHER Hit & Run WOW ….I Am Starting petitions now & Will Need Help It Kills me Everyday To Think of the pain caused when the Judge says Probation Or 4 Mth…The Judge is the one who gave me this idea when he said to the murderer “I would give you 80 times this time but my hands are tied by the laws of NC”! wow I thought we put judges in place so they can give sentence they feel is right & when the killers are allowed to say “I’m Guilty” then no jury trial had we had one I KNOW he would have done the 50 years he should have he has had many priors I thought we Learn From mistakes NOT Repete them….
Thank You,
Heidi
SpyksMom