Middle school teacher from Timnath, Ashley Weiss, was found guilty by a jury for careless driving resulting in the death of 10-year-old Oliver “Ollie” Stratton. The tragic incident occurred when Weiss was texting and driving, causing her to hit Stratton while he was riding his bike on a road in Timnath. Despite pleading guilty to tampering with physical evidence, Weiss is set to be sentenced on March 7, facing up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
The bereaved parents of Stratton, Clarissa and Rod, expressed disappointment in the verdict, citing the need for more severe penalties for distracted driving. They are advocating for legal changes that would make Weiss’ offense a felony rather than a misdemeanor. The Strattons believe that harsher laws and stricter consequences are necessary to hold distracted drivers accountable for their actions.
The tragic case has sparked a call for stronger laws nationwide to prevent distracted driving and reduce the risks of similar incidents in the future. Stratton’s parents, while acknowledging the efforts of the District Attorney’s office, are urging lawmakers in Colorado and other states to pass legislation that will make drivers think twice before engaging in distractions behind the wheel.
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