Update on the Tabitha Helton case

by Gail Myers

Tabitha Helton was a beautiful 18-year-old young lady. She had a smile that would light up a room. Her life was tragically ended on January 10, 2004 when her car was struck by a car that allegedly was street racing. It was divulged that the street racing car was traveling at approximately 94 mph when it struck Tabitha‛s car. At first, the young man driving the car that struck Tabitha‛s was only charged with reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. He was also under the influence of an intoxicant. He was finally charged with vehicular homicide, but only after the parents hired an accident reconstructionist and took the findings and other evidence to the District Attorney. Another car was street racing with him, but did not hit Tabitha‛s car. The young man driving that car was indicted on Reckless Endangerment with a deadly weapon and on August 14, 2006 was sentenced to 30 days in jail and one year probation.

It has been almost three years since Tabitha‛s death and her parents are still waiting for justice. Thomas Ward, driver of the car that struck Tabitha, has had his trial postponed several times, for different reasons (or excuses). The latest being that his new attorney was unprepared for the trial set for September 26, 2006. A continuance was granted and a new trial date was set for January 23, 2007 – 3 years and 13 days after killing Tabitha!

This family needs closure on this. Why does it seem like the criminal is ALWAYS given the “benefit of the doubt”? The judicial system seems to bend over backwards to make sure the criminals‛ rights are protected. Who protected Tabitha‛s rights? It is time for change; too many times the judicial system has been lenient on the criminal by putting them back on the street for them to only destroy another family. During the three years since killing Tabitha, Mr. Ward has been driving on the streets of Lenoir City while awaiting his trial.

Latest update: The young man driving the car that was street racing but did not hit Tabitha‛s car is trying to get his “sentence” reduced because he thinks it is too harsh!

Thomas Ward, driver of the car that hit Tabitha wanted a plea bargain. He would plead guilty to reckless vehicular homicide – a lesser class felony with a year less prison time and you get to keep your driver‛s license. Tabitha‛s parents agreed that they would prefer to go to trial – Tabitha deserves her day in court!