Jessica Williams’ statement

Friday, March 30, 2001 | 2:55 a.m.

Words are inadequate to express my remorse and sorrow for the six young people who were killed when I fell asleep while driving on March 19, 2000. Since that day there has never been a day that I have not recalled details of the accident. Since that day there has never been one day I have not thought about those young people who are no longer alive. Since that day my life and the lives of countless others is forever changed. My own family suffers as do the families of the victims. I am unable to express to my father, mother, sisters and brothers how deep my sorrow is for the horror I have put them all through. Likewise, my sorrow is completely unspeakable for the families of the victims. I feel utterly helpless in the face of this tragedy to make any sort of true reparation. All of our lives are forever changed and I am helpless.

I am accountable for having driven the vehicle that struck them. I am accountable for using marijuana, a prohibited substance. But while I was wrong to have used marijuana or experimented with ecstasy, I would never have driven in an impaired state of mind. I will never again engage in actions such as that, outside the bounds of the law, for my regard for the law has become clear and important to me.

My intentions, for whatever future I may have, are to improve my life educationally and vocationally, for the welfare of all those whom I may encounter both within and without prison walls and guards. I have always tried to be a peace-loving, helpful, good person. I know now that I will spend the rest of my life having to prove to the world that I do embody these qualities. Only time will show the honesty of my intentions and words. Not only will my perseverance and dedication be under scrutiny of others, but more importantly to me is the scrutiny of my God, whose omniscience and omnipresence is forever with me.

I beg this court to provide me with the hope and opportunity to have a future and to some degree, however slight, make peace with my soul.