Family Pushes DA To Re-Present Case

PONTOTOC, Miss. (WCBI) – The family of a 7 year old girl who was struck and killed by a motorist who passed a stopped school bus, have turned in more than 2,,600 signatures asking the District Attorney to re present the case to a Grand Jury.

“We’re not asking for anything unreasonable, I’m just asking for the law to be upheld in my behalf and for my family,” said Amiya’s mother, Andrea, who is referring to “Nathan’s Law.”  That law makes it a misdemeanor to get within 10 feet of a stopped school bus, or pass it, or a felony charge if a motorist is convicted of illegally passing a stopped school bus resulting in an injury or death.

Amiya was days away from her eighth birthday when she was struck and killed while getting off of her school bus, in front of her home in Pontotoc County.  The driver of the car was not indicted by a Grand Jury last year. Since then, the Braxton family and others have been vocal in their quest to have the case brought before another Grand Jury.

“What we’re after is to give this family support through this trying time.  We’re after fairness, and justice for this family.  We’re not trying to lynch anybody,” said Pastor Robert Fleming.

Pastor Fleming has helped organize the petition drive, and fundraisers for the Braxton family. and as a school bus driver, he says concern for other children is a priority. Amiya’s mother says motorists who pass stopped school buses need to be held accountable.

“Somebody’s child is getting off that bus , somebody’s child is getting on that bus and it could be yours next time,” she said.

No one can say for certain why the first Grand Jury chose not to indict. All of those proceedings are closed.  It will take about two weeks for the current Grand Jury’s list of indictments to be released.

D A Weddle could not make any comments about the case, because of the possibility it could be taken before another Grand Jury.  He has said in the past that new information from witnesses could be grounds to re present the case.