SPRINGFIELD — Victoria Stricklen, 23, is facing vehicular manslaughter charges after she crashed into Ciera Jones in November, killing her 18-month-old daughter.
It’s been 7 months since Jones last held her daughter, Camiyah.
On Thanksgiving Day 2019, Jones was on her way to her home in Springfield, with Camiyah in the back, when she blew a tire on state Route 4. Jones put on her hazard lights, slowed down and stayed in the right lane, hoping she could make it home to change it.
Minutes later, she was rear-ended, which sent her car spinning into the median. The driver of the car who hit her was later identified as Stricklen.
“She took something from me that was priceless, something I will never get back,” Jones said. “Unintentionally, she killed my daughter.”
Now, Jones is left dealing with the aftermath of the crash.
“I had to go to physical therapy, I didn’t have a job, I couldn’t pay my bills,” Jones said.
All while reeling with the loss of her daughter.
“It’s just not the same, I don’t hear the pitter-patter of her feet, I don’t hear her little laugh.”
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Though it won’t bring her daughter back, Jones said she felt some comfort after getting in touch with the families and the children who received Camiyah’s organs.
“The family who got her kidneys reached out to me, they said they’re working perfectly and she’s their hero,” Jones said.
Stricklen has pleaded not guilty. Pretrial is scheduled for June 26.