The trial for the drunk driver who was responsible for the death of my father took place from September 28, 2009 - October 2, 2009. The jury began deliberating at 11:10 after closing arguments and at about 12pm we were called back into the courtroom to hear the verdict.
Mr. Upchurch received a guilty verdict for Intoxication Manslaughter and also received a guilty verdict for using a car as a deadly weapon. We are pleased at this verdict because it was the right verdict. It truly was the only right decision and obviously the jury agreed since they returned an apparent unanimous decision so quickly.
The defendant chose to let the judge give him his sentence and so we will not hear what that is until November 13th.
It is nice to have this part of the trial over. It was a lot more difficult that we expected. It is just emotionally draining reliving details we had not heard before regarding my father's injuries, seeing my father's killer every day, and having to endure the defendant's attorneys questions and hypothetical situations that seemed highly improbable to my family.
It was helpful to hear that the jury agreed with us. Now, on to the next step of this journey.....
2 comments:
What a week!! One of the toughest I think I have ever experienced - I hope none of us have to go through that again. The verdict was the best we could get for you. But, it doesn't take away the pain. Daddy, I still miss you so, so much. The sadness is sometimes too hard to deal with, so I move on - but I will NEVER forget you. I have had a few dreams about you; I meet up with you and you give me the best hug, then you are gone. There just long enough to let me know you are still with me. I like those dreams. I know you are with us in spirit, but I wish you were with us in body. I am still so angry, sad and lonely, and my heart breaks for Momma, Kara, Lara, all of us - it still is not any easier to be without you, than it was last year ago. I love you - Mara
Today it is 11 months since the day you were taken from us. It still does not seem real,never right. As Kendall said in her poem, it seems we "forever dwell in November." I used to love to think about my birthday, and looked forward to what you and the family had planned for me. At this moment that day sounds cruel. My mind tells me that no day is cruel; my heart tells me that each day is a gift; my soul sobs.
We have come far in the last 11 months even though mired in stagnant reveries. The trial has come and gone. Kelsey turned 21! The seasons have changed now 4 times. My heart ticks off each day, each month, each moment remembering you. My arms hang limply empty; my heart remains full of love for you.
It is 11 months now in our forever November. I want to make you proud and live a life of honor; to rekindle the joy you brought to me somehow. In God's time . . .
I love you forever.
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