Photo Courtesy of GoFundMe/Cobb County Jail
The family of Dr. Tyler Wallace, who tragically lost his life in a fatal car accident caused by a drunk driver, is expressing frustration with the criminal justice system.
On May 1, The Cobb County District Attorney charged the man responsible a plea deal for only one year in prison.
Dr. Tyler Wallace, 26, had recently completed medical school and was working as a physical therapist when he died in 2020 after Brent Davis,49, crashed into his car while crossing a dangerous intersection in Smyrna, Georgia.
While Davis had the right of way on that fateful night, he was impaired from drinking and arguably not cohesive enough to avoid the accident.
According to the Atlanta Black Star, Davis’ speech was reportedly slurred, and police found several empty beer cans in his truck.
He “had a heavy stutter, the smell of his Arby’s sandwich emitted from his breath, and (the officer) smelled the odor of either mouthwash or a breath mint,” the arrest warrant reportedly states.
Despite this, Assistant District Attorney David Holmes did not believe he had enough evidence to convict Davis on the first-degree vehicular homicide and driving under the influence of alcohol charges he was indicted on.
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While Davis will be held accountable for his actions in the car crash, the victim’s family is left feeling frustrated with the outcome of the case. The family is now determined to honor Wallace’s memory through a foundation that will continue his legacy of hard work and dedication.
Wallace’s parents, Tara and Valarie Wallace, and his sisters, Charisse and Danielle, shared their grief over his loss and their desire to keep his memory alive.
“We’ll never have an opportunity to enjoy the fruits of his labor, the fruits of his sacrifice, the fruits of his discipline, and neither will he,” his sister said.
The family has set up a GoFundMe to account for funeral costs and expenses.