In January of 2011, Dawn M. Freehoff, aged 28, was killed when Micah Kimes, aged 24, ran a red light and hit another car at 75th Street and 104thAvenue in Kenosha. Mr. Kimes was found to have been under the influence of marijuana at the time of the crash. He also struck 26-year-old Jennifer L. Kasparian of Kenosha, permanently injuring her. On February 6th, 2012, a jury found that Mr. Kimes had enough drugs in his system at the time of the accident to be held responsible for the crash. He was sentenced to serve five years in prison.
Kimes stated that at the time of the crash, the traffic light was “probably red” and that the other driver likely thought that he was going to stop. Mr. Kimes also told police that his tires were bald and that he had smoked marijuana prior to the crash. Police responders to the accident stated that Mr. Kimes did not appear intoxicated at the crash scene.
Jurors deliberated for approximately 45 minutes before delivering their ruling. Mr. Kimes was found guilty of driving under the influence causing death and great bodily harm. He could have received up to 25 years in prison under Wisconsin state law.
Ms. Kasparian, the injured victim, was left with limited mobility in her one good hand and suffered permanent hearing loss following the crash. She is not able to use her other hand due to a birth defect. Ms. Kasparian stated in court that she forgave Mr. Kimes despite her injuries. Mr. Kimes also expressed his apologies.
The family of the deceased stated that they are not yet able to forgive Mr. Kimes. Ms. Freehoff was a wife and mother of two children when she died. Her mother, Barbara Manhart, expressed appreciation for the apologies offered by the family of Mr. Kimes, and also stated that she understood Ms. Kasparian’s forgiveness. However, she is not yet able to forgive Mr. Kimes for the loss of her daughter.
The staff and attorneys of Hupy & Abraham, S.C., express our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims of this car crash.