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Nov 4, 2009 9:43 pm US/Central
Community Rallies For Woman Killed 2 Months Ago
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Members of Dallas' Hispanic community feel more should be done by Dallas Police involving a fatal crash that took place two months ago.
They're upset because the driver responsible for the crash has not been charged.
On Wednesday, two months after the crash, they held a vigil to voice their concerns.
Members of LULAC, city leaders and the woman's family and friends spoke out and posed questions as to why more hasn't been done.
Though 82 years-old, her life was taken, too soon. The accident happened on September 3 at the intersection of Wilbur and Boyd streets. Police say a driver, distracted by his g-p-s, ran a stop sign and slammed his pickup truck into a van, carrying 11 senior citizens, killing 82-year-old Marian Montoya.
On the scene police say the driver was inattentive.
The Montoya family attorney has filed a civil suit against the driver. Montoya's son Jose is hoping for more from Dallas Police. "We would like to obviously expedite that investigation and get it wrapped up, so the family can find closure and come to terms with my mom's death and move on."
The Hispanic community feels little value is given to Latinos, and even less regard for the life of an elderly Hispanic, in this case. They question if race played a role in the driver not being prosecuted yet.
Dallas Police take offense to that claim, saying due process is being served.
Police spokesman Lt. Andy Harvey says the wheels of justice are in motion. "This case was treated as any other case. This case was filed as a criminal negligent homicide. If was referee to a grand jury and that's where it's waiting to be heard."
Many say they just want justice to be served.
At the end of the vigil, Hispanic leaders announced they had talked to Dallas Police and afterward developed more faith that the case will be handled fairly.
Dallas Police say the case is with the grand jury, who will decide whether or not to hand up an indictment.
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