A former inmate from Georgia, Aimee Michael, who was condemned to a 36-year term for causing five fatalities in a hit-and-run incident has been discharged after serving only 14 years. The proceedings dating back to 2010 saw Michael face severe punitive measures due to a horrific car accident that claimed five lives on Easter Sunday the previous year. Just aged 24, Michael expressed her remorse in court by offering an apology to the grieving families. Her confession was striking, ‘I must admit that I have done wrong. I have inflicted great harm upon three respective families, and for that, I express my deepest remorse.’
The recent news of Michael’s surprisingly premature parole has shocked and angered one family member, who was overlooked during the notification process. Kathy Smith expressed to the media that she was not consulted about the possibility of Michael’s parole. She was under the impression that Michael would serve the full 36 years as per the original sentencing. ‘Each morning when I wake up, my family is not with me,’ voiced a distraught Smith.
The dreaded accident resulted in the devastating loss of Smith’s daughter Delisia, her son-in-law Robert, their two children, Kayla, a 9-year-old, and Ethan, a mere two-months old. The tragic incident tragically severed the life of another young soul, 6-year-old Morgan Johnson, while also seriously injuring her mother. To manage the unbearable pain of this immense loss, Smith has taken to playing the piano.
When the news of Michael’s early release resonated Smith, the shock induced an immediate asthma attack. Unbelievably, she was not updated about Michael’s parole hearing or her eventual release — information she feels should have been communicated. Smith disclosed that being privy to such significant details would have allowed her an opportunity to address the parole board with a plea to reconsider Michael’s release. ‘I was under the understanding that a 36-year sentence meant the entire duration of 36 years,’ shared a deflated Smith.
The words of the judge on the day Michael was sentenced still echo: ‘What perpetually bothers me is that after committing such a horrendous act, you chose to flee from the crime scene.’ He followed the statement with ‘Subsequently, you also conspired to conceal the incident.’ Details emerged in court illuminating that the deadly collision occurred when Michael lost control of her BMW merely a few miles away from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Michael’s detention was only mandated over a week later after vigilant neighbors tipped off the local law enforcement. Apart from Smith’s family tragedy, the accident claimed the life of 6-year-old Morgan Johnson and caused severe injuries to her mother. In a horrific twist, it was revealed that Michael’s mother Shelia aided her daughter in concealing this terrible crime, eventually pleading guilty to two charges of tampering with evidence and hindering the capture of a criminal.
The presiding judge expressed disappointment with Michael’s mother stating that she ‘had an obligation as a mother to do what is right.’ He also reprimanded her for failing as a mother when her daughter relied on her most. After the verdict, Michael was guilty on five charges of vehicular manslaughter, one count of severe bodily harm, and six counts pertaining to hit-and-run violations that spanned across reckless driving, failure to maintain her lane, and tampering with evidence.
Smith has found solace and strength in faith, helping her cope with the immeasurable pain of losing her family. Recent events have spurred her to direct her prayers towards the now released Michael, expressing a fervent hope that their paths do not cross. As per parole documentation, Michael is currently in a rehabilitation facility situated within Emanuel County, with a stipulated 20-year parole duration.
Michael’s spouse Robert expressed his regret about being overseas at the time of the accident. He voiced his apologies and a feeling of guilt over the unavailability: ‘I feel I let everyone down… I wish we could reset everything and start afresh,’ he confided. As he copes with the tragedy, Robert continues to acknowledge the victims, expressing a deep remorse for their lost lives.
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