Letter to the Editor

A grandmother's farewell

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Dear Editor:

My name is Brenda Hirschman and my granddaughter is Emily Ann DeBrine. On Nov. 26, 2008, Corey Leon Martin and Emily were killed in a tragic automobile accident on Highway 54 in Vernon County. I work at the Vernon County Courthouse, and last year has been a real struggle, as I find myself surrounded by a judicial system that has let us down. I need to do something so I can find some peace and put these feelings to rest and move forward. I am in hopes that this letter will serve my purpose.

On Sept. 28, 2009, we went to court on a bench trial for Corey and Emily against Gale Pelser, 74, Eldridge Mo. Mr. Pelser was facing a misdemeanor charge of careless and imprudent driving. Although I understand the reason for this charge since no alcohol was involved, I don't agree with it. However, I am forced to understand the way the law reads. What I will NEVER understand is why Gale Pelser was allowed to get on the stand after he was sworn to tell the truth and in his words, "Wanted the families of these kids to know the real truth of what happened." We had to sit there and listen to this man tell us he was a victim also. Never mentioning being in a no-passing zone on a hill, passing a semi and another vehicle, while pulling a make-shift trailer filled with junk. His excuse was obscured vision from a flatbed that was overloaded in front of him, and that no one would let him in.

We just sat there in disbelief as he expected us to believe him. NEVER once did he say "I AM SORRY" and he had absolutely no remorse in his voice. Perhaps, since Gale Pelser pleaded guilty to careless and imprudent driving, we didn't have the right to hear even one witness. No Highway Patrolman, nothing, but Mr. Pelser's version of his truth about what happened that terrible night. We did not know that the semi driver had been subpoenaed from Colorado and was sitting in the back of the courtroom. Not one witness was called in support of the accident report, even though they told a completely different story from the one Mr. Pelser was testifying to.

One person from each family was allowed to speak. Melissa LaNear, my daughter, and Tonia Martin, who is Corey's mother, had their time to be heard. Because Mr. Pelser pled guilty to careless and imprudent driving, a misdemeanor, the semi truck driver was not allowed to testify. But wouldn't it have been the right thing to do as Mr. Pelser was allowed? We would have never known the semi driver was even in the courtroom if he had not been compelled to do the right thing and introduce himself to my daughter and Tonia. He hugged them and told them how very sorry he was, and that there was only himself and a Jeep behind him. No overloaded flatbed was even there, it was a Jeep.

I realize that this was a horrific accident, but the fact remains Gale Pelser has shown no remorse or apologized for his actions in any way. He could have taken the witness stand and told us how sorry he was, but instead he made ignorant excuses about how he too was a victim.

Gale Pelser was fined $500, a suspended 60 day jail sentence, with two years probation. Mr Pelser is also required to take a 55 and older driving program. He continues to drive today with a state of Missouri CDL license.

What happened in court on Sept. 28 can never be changed. But now maybe I can say good-bye and farewell to my beautiful granddaughter who I will forever miss and love so very much. Until we meet again.

Love,

Grandma Brenda