Sunday, November 18, 2012

One year later, Indiana 111 is no less dangerous than before.

Kevin Hammersmith was killed a year ago tomorrow, when his car was struck by a vehicle driven by Wesley S. Bradshaw.

While there’s always the chance, albeit slim, that our community might someday commence a substantive discussion of what might be done to alleviate the hazards on the stretch of rural highway (Indiana 111) connecting Horseshoe with its customer base, there isn’t much to say about this sad anniversary beyond asking a question that might have occurred to others who knew Kevin.

What’s the status of the legal case against Bradshaw?

Since the aftermath of the fatal accident, Bradshaw’s journey through the legal system has been mentioned on two occasions within the pages of the News and Tribune.

Toxicology results

Additional counts

The state of Indiana’s search engine can be used to see further details. Click on criminal cases, and enter Bradshaw’s name. Charges filed against him are enumerated, as well as the chronology of the case. My most recent search yielded this:

Jury Trial (9:00 AM) (Judicial Officer Orth, Susan L)
08/20/2012 Continued to 10/15/2012 - By Request - Bradshaw, Wesley S
10/15/2012 Continued to 02/25/2013 - By Request - Bradshaw, Wesley S

Yes, “justice” is a word loaded with trip wires. To the extent that the American legal system is capable of proffering justice, we’d all like to see “it” done in this case, and seemingly, the time may be drawing near.

Assuredly Kevin will not be forgotten, and since his untimely death, he has been remembered in numerous, meaningful ways, but wouldn’t the very best way to honor his memory be for us to come together to improve safety on that damned stretch of hazardous highway?

2 comments:

Daniel S said...

You've written some good stuff on this topic. But I don't think you can have such a conversation without faulting alcohol providers as well. Some bars do better than others, but in general I haven't been to one yet that tests their customers before they leave to ensure they're alright to drive. It may not be direct culpability, but it's definitely a part of the problem.

The New Albanian said...

I don't argue the point.