The family of the man who died after a 26-year-old female driver struck him on Sunday evening said they forgive the suspect, but highlighted that authorities should proceed to prosecute her.
The driver, identified by her initials AMY, was reportedly speeding on the street of a housing complex in Lippo Karawaci, when her car hit a 51-year-old man, identified by his initials AN, and his pet dog, who were out on an evening jog.
Related: Alleged drunk driver kills man and pet dog, assaults victim’s wife in viral video
AN’s wife, identified by her initials RN, released an official statement today.
“As religious people, all of us from the family of the deceased have forgiven the suspect in the name of our God Jesus Christ,” RN said in the statement received by Tribun.
“We, coming from the family, request for a fair legal procedure because the action of the suspect has claimed the life of someone we love dearly.”
RN is also urging authorities to conduct a thorough examination, including a urine test, due to a suspicion that AMY might have been under the influence of drugs during the accident.
AN was jogging with his child and pet dog that evening, and was not far from their home when AMY almost crashed her car into AN’s child, as told by the victim’s niece, Dearyani Eka Dharma, to Kompas on Tuesday.
“My uncle saw [her car] and immediately pulled his child, [he did so] because she almost hit [the child]. In the end my uncle and his pet dog were the ones hit,” Dearyani said.
RN arrived at the scene of the incident soon after, and became hysterical upon seeing her husband lying lifeless on the ground. Dearyani said AMY assaulted her aunt during that time because the driver did not want to be blamed for his death.
AMY’s assault against RN was filmed, footage of which went viral on social media.
“Her husband died while lying in front of their home, and the suspect didn’t accept [getting scolded], so she hit, pulled my aunt’s hair, dragged her on the road, then she hit, kicked her again and again until people came to break them up,” Dearyani continued.
AN was cremated on Tuesday, a day before his son’s birthday.
Tangerang City Police’s Traffic Unit Chief Heri said that based on their investigation, AMY was intoxicated after drinking soju during the incident, as well as using her phone at the time. After hitting the victims, Heri said AMY continued speeding and eventually crashed into a tree on the side of the road.
Previous police statements regarding the incident did not specify that AMY was drunk driving.
Heri said that there was no proof AMY had consumed drugs prior to the incident, citing the results of a urine test.
AMY was consequently arrested by the Tangerang City Police. She has been charged with vehicular manslaughter caused by deliberately driving in a harmful manner or circumstances, which is punishable by a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison. She previously faced a maximum sentence of six years in prison for negligent driving.
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