Tekila Mynon Glass, of Riverdale, pleaded guilty Friday to second-degree vehicular homicide in the death of , the Grayson toddler killed last year during an outing at , according to a press release from the victim's family and attorneys.
In addition to vehicular homicide, Glass also pleaded guilty to failure to exercise due care in the at a popular park in Snellville. was later held there for little Olivia.
Glass was sentenced to 24 months probation, 30 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, 120 hours of community service and completion of a defensive driving course. Her driver’s license was immediately suspended. She reports to jail on May 25.
Police initially thought the baby's mother, Brooke Hellwig and Glass were equally at fault. After more investigation, as the likely guilty party.
Olivia's about the tragedy, saying "the reckless actions of the driver caused this accident and the parents of Olivia are relieved" that investigators brought charges against Glass.
At the time of the incident, Olivia’s mother was pushing the child in a stroller across a pedestrian crossing area. Glass reversed her vehicle in the wrong lane, striking Hellwig and the baby in the pedestrian crossing area.
According to today's family press release:
"After being knocked down from the impact, Brooke Hellwig got up and began running toward the rear of the SUV where baby Olivia had turned upside down in her stroller. But, just as Mrs. Hellwig was a few feet from baby Olivia, Ms. Glass reversed her vehicle again, running over the stroller and crushing baby Olivia’s head. She then drove forward again, running over baby Olivia’s head a second time, as Mrs. Hellwig helplessly watched.
"Ms. Glass took responsibility for her actions today in court, apologizing to the Hellwig family and explaining that she had no intent to harm baby Olivia. Brooke Hellwig spoke on behalf of the family. In a heartrending statement, Mrs. Hellwig described hearing baby Olivia crying out for “mommy” just before Ms. Glass ran over her. Mrs. Hellwig sobbed as she told of the anguish of missing her baby daughter and knowing that she would never again celebrate a mother’s day with all of her children or have a complete family portrait taken.
"The judge expressed sympathy to both parties for the pain they had all endured as a result of this tragedy. The Hellwig family hopes that Ms. Glass’ admission of guilt will help them begin to heal from this horrific tragedy."
of kids at GAA. I hurt for both families and pray for strength and healing for parents and siblings involved.
A baby is dead. A woman has to live the rest of her life knowing she did that. It's not the place for your commentary about Obama voters, or anyone's driving.
Why do such terrible things have to happen...? God bless you and keep you.