Terri Carpenter's Victim Impact Statement

My name is Terri Carpenter. I am the oldest of John's four children. Like my sister, Debbie, I would like to be present at today's hearing but my husband and I were unable to be here. But, it does not mean that I don't care what happens to Kelly Highsmith and her family. I feel very sad for her and her family. Being a mother of 2 and a grandmother of 5, I hope I never have to go through what your parents had to experience. We try to teach our children the difference between right and wrong and we can only hope and pray they make the right choices in their life. And I know without a shadow of a doubt that your mother never, ever dreamed you would make the choice to drive while you were drunk and kill someone; someone who was a husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. My father never got to see 4 of his great-grandchildren because you made the choice to drink and then get behind the wheel of a car and attempt to drive. You will at least be able to be with your family and hopefully live to see your children grow-up, marry, and someday have your own grandchildren.

I was asked how I felt about you and what I wanted to see come out of this situation. I hope and pray something good and positive will come of it: that you will never again drive a car after you have been drinking. And maybe someone will be told the story of how your family's lives and my father's family's lives were changed by what happened and it will save someone else's life. Maybe it will be enough to make just one person think twice and not make the same mistake you did.

It would be easy for me to hate you, be bitter, and only want revenge. But the hatred and bitterness would only hurt me. My sisters, brother, and I all have different opinions about this. We have all grieved in different ways for our dad. My mother taught me that two wrongs don't make a right. She was right. I hate to see you go to prison and your kids not have their mother. I thank God for your mother because she will have to be your babies' mother and grandmother if you go to prison. If it weren't for her they might not have anyone to be their mother. Yes, you need to pay for your mistake, but my wish is not for you to go to prison. I would prefer to see you punished with an extended home-detention or house arrest of 10 or more years followed by a probation period. This would allow for you to be with your children but would take away most of your freedom.

You took the life of our father by making a bad choice, but I do not want you to be taken from your children. Two wrongs do not make a right and I do forgive you. May God bless and keep all of us who have been hurt by this tragedy.

This site is voluntarily setup, maintained and paid for by Kelley D. Highsmith as a small token of her sincere remorse for her decision to drink and drive on April 7th 2002.

Comments or Suggestions Thanks for stopping by and remember Don't Drink and Drive!