A Federal Way family, waiting for justice for nearly a year, has just learned the distracted driver who killed their loved one will not be prosecuted.
Last April, Bradley Hansen crashed head-on into Sherri White's car, killing her and seriously injuring her two passengers.
Hansen was cited for negligent driving in the second degree. The infraction comes with a $550 fine.
Ivyon Taylor does not think his punishment is enough.
"It sends a message that it's OK to kill someone and be distracted driving because you're just going to get slapped on the wrist," Taylor added.
Hansen no longer lives in Maple Valley. He moved to Nebraska.
Hansen said he was relieved when he learned he wouldn't be charged but said he is also struggling.
"It's not easy to try and wrap my head around not really understanding what happened in the first place then also having to accept the consequences of what happened," Hansen explained.
The accident happened near Kent.
Police documents show Hansen was listening to music stored on his phone when his phone rang. He was startled, looked down at the phone for just a second and before he knew it, he crossed into the oncoming lane and hit White's car.
White died and her two passengers were seriously hurt.
"Not every case is a felony and it doesn't mean it’s any less heartbreaking," King County prosecutor Amy Freedheim said.
She consulted with the investigator on the case. She said they agreed there was simply no evidence to prosecute Hansen and that cellphone records show a missed call, corroborating Hansen's story.
"If there were a way to prove disregard for safety of others in a fatality crash, then I would be filing the charges," Freedheim added.
Though Taylor doesn't agree, she is trying to move on.
She has gotten involved with People Against Distracted Driving (PADD) and is using her grief to spread awareness about the dangers of distracted driving
Taylor also plans to hold a walk on the anniversary of White's death, April13, at the scene of the crash.
Cox Media Group
