COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — A couple nearly killed by a drunk driver called ABC6 On Your Side years ago to say they were not receiving justice.
ABC6 News looked into their case and exposed backlogs in the court system. For the first time Thursday, Jennifer and Larry Waddell had a chance to tell their story to the judge and drunk driver himself.
“We thank you just for supporting us and being our voice out to the public,” Jennifer Waddell told ABC6 Investigates. “We really appreciate it.”
In July of 2022, Jennifer and Larry Waddell were planning a life together with their upcoming wedding. They just bought a new trike and took it out on a Sunday afternoon. That’s when they were t-boned by Jeffrey Roberts, who had a blood alcohol level of nearly three times the legal limit.
Roberts was indicted in December of 2022, and the case has continued for nearly two and a half years. The Ohio Supreme Court wants cases closed within six months.
“The wait didn’t help,” said Jennifer Waddell. “And listening every time we came to court, listening to all of his rights.”
The Waddells suffered 14 broken bones and a collapsed lung. They asked for help in seeking justice. ABC6 News has continued to expose the backlog in Franklin County’s judicial system and brought their case to the attention of the new Franklin County Prosecutor, Shayla Favor.
“She said, ‘Different people have told us you’d be better off if one of you had died. It would have gone somewhere. It would have gone somewhere faster if one of you had died,'” ABC6 Investigator Lisa Rantala told Prosecutor Favor.
“It’s sheer disappointment in our criminal justice system,” Favor responded.
On Thursday, the Waddells finally saw the sentencing of Jeffrey Roberts.
“I remember the fear I had wondering is he would still want to marry me if I never walked again,” said Jennifer Waddell in her victim impact statement in court.
Larry Waddell spoke about his two grandchildren, six and three years of age.
“I can’t go bowling with them. I can’t throw a frisbee for more than a few minutes with them,” he said. “Those are the little things that you took from me that mean a lot to me.”
Roberts also had a chance to speak before the court and said he’s now sober and has found the Lord.
“I feel very bad,” said Roberts. “It’s hard looking in the mirror in the mornings knowing what I’ve done to you and your families.”
The judge stated that this case is Roberts’ 11th case in the court system involving drinking and driving. He sentenced Roberts to nine years in prison. Roberts’ attorney has already filed an appeal.
