Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Traffic Justice

Raquel Nelson Sentenced to Year of Probation, Granted Option of New Trial

Raquel Nelson, the Georgia mother who was convicted of vehicular homicide after a motorist killed her 4-year-old son as she crossed the street with him, was given the option of seeking a new trial at her sentencing today, the Atlanta Journal Constitution is reporting.

false

Nelson was sentenced to two terms of 12 months probation, to be served concurrently, as well as community service. But Cobb County Judge Katherine Tanksley said the 30-year-old Nelson, who has two other children, could also seek a new trial instead of accepting the sentence.

Her attorney, David Savoy, told the AJC that her initial inclination is to seek a new trial.

An all-white jury convicted Nelson earlier this month on charges of vehicular homicide, jaywalking and reckless conduct, after a driver killed her son while they attempted to cross the street between a bus stop and their home in Marietta. She faced up to three years in prison.

The boy's killer, Jerry L. Guy, was sentenced to only six months. Guy, who fled the scene, had two prior hit-and-runs on his record and admitted to having been drinking and using pain killers earlier in the day.

The case sparked a national outcry, with more than 135,000 people signing an online petition asking for leniency for Nelson, according to CNN.

David Goldberg of Transportation for America spoke to us as the story was unfolding.

"Our position is going to be that she certainly should appeal and it should be overturned," he said. "She should never have been charged. A person with no vehicle should never be charged with vehicular homicide."

Goldberg said this case should inspire some thought on the part of local transportation and law enforcement officials.

"This is emblematic of bigger problem that exists in metro Atlanta and across the country," he said. "A case like this puts in stark relief the dangerous designs that exist out there in communities across the country."

We will be posting updates as the story unfolds.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

‘Trojan Horse’: E-Bike Licensing Bill Would Fuel Anti-Immigrant Policing

Council members fail to address the e-bike registration bill's potential harmful outcomes.

December 10, 2024

‘Not Fleshed Out’: Paladino’s E-Bike Ban Falls Flat at Manhattan Civic Panel

A Queens Republican's latest bid to squelch e-bike use fails at Community Board 2.

December 10, 2024

Tuesday’s Headlines: BQE Lies Edition

An anti-congestion pricing group says traffic on the BQE has increased — though the city says the opposite. Plus other news.

December 10, 2024

How Trump’s Mass Deportation Plans Could Make U.S. Roads More Dangerous

President-elect Trump's promise to deport one million people per year will make America's streets less safe.

December 10, 2024

Cycle of Rage: Here’s Why Your Dead Christmas Tree Should Be in the Road, Not on the Sidewalk

The opposite of a heartwarming holiday story? It's the story of Barbara Hutson, who suffered two broken arms after she tripped on some Christmas trees that should have been in the road.

December 9, 2024
See all posts