SAND SPRINGS, Okla. – After her husband passed away during the holiday season, one wife is says she is seeking further justice for his death.
On December 18, Paula Heffley’s husband Jackie, 56, was killed in a wreck at a Broken Arrow intersection. The other driver, Trevor Overose, was allegedly drunk and has since been charged with driving under the influence, but not with the death of Jackie Heffley.
Now, Paula is working to insure the driver faces more serious charges.
Despite the fact that police reported Overose was drunk when he crashed into Jackie’s car, no manslaughter charges were filed. Jackie suffered from several broken bones and other injuries because of the wreck. Coupled with his already existing health issues, Jackie died days later on Christmas.
“I could tell by looking at him he was not OK.”
Paula believes the injuries procured from the crash triggered his death.
“He technically died of a heart attack, but it was brought on by the injuries he suffered in the accident.”
Overose currently only faces a felony DUI charge and three misdemeanors but has not been charged for the death of Jackie or his injuries.
“He was killed from the accident and he deserves justice,” said Paula.
Tulsa County prosecutors told Paula that they do not plan on filing new charges but when 2 Works for You inquired, another answer was given.
“From her perspective she should rest assured we will be moving to amend the charges,” said Tulsa Co. DA Steve Kunzweiler.
Kunzweiler went on to say he plans to change the DUI charge to include great bodily injury but his office will not move forward with manslaughter charges.
“Did the collision have effects on his health, it may have … but the medical examiner is not going to say he died because of the collision.”
The additional charge of great bodily injury could double Overose’s sentence, changing it from five to ten years if convicted.
Paula says she plans to continue to push for the charges to be amended to include manslaughter.
“I’m angry, I want this man to pay in some way for my husband’s death.”
Overose is scheduled to be in court next week.
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