LEBANON, Tenn. (WTVF) — A woman was crushed to death by a speeding drunk driver. It happened on the Lebanon square back in 2022. Now, the drunk driver is heading to jail.
It was a horrible scene. A mother and child t-boned at the Lebanon roundabout.
27-year-old Ashley Bailey and her three-year-old son were driving one afternoon at the square when a speeding SUV slammed into their vehicle.
The little boy survived, but his mom didn't. Her husband Larry spoke of the loss just days later:
"Broken, loss, empty. Like I'm in a bad dream, and I can't wake up," he said.
Police arrested 71-year-old Sandra Lee Strickland for vehicular homicide by intoxication.
She posted a $250,000 bond and remained free for two and a half years.
Larry spent that time attending every court hearing, while caring for his young son.
The trial finally began this month - but then six days into the trial - Strickland saw the evidence against her and pleaded guilty.
Larry says she never showed remorse.
"It was her saying she did it and I'm going to prison. We wanted justice for Ashley being taken from us," he shared.
As a first-time offender — Strickland likely faces an eight-year sentence. She will be eligible for parole after only two and a half years.
"We have justice and that's what's important," Larry said.
But that doesn't mean Larry likes it. It's the law and he agreed to the plea so there can be no appeals.
But for him, the sentence doesn't fit the crime.
"Ashley got a life sentence. She doesn't get to watch her son grow up. I don't get to grow old with my wife," he said. "I told people after Ashley passed, a part of me died that day, too."
Strickland will be sentenced on December 10.
Larry Bailey says he plans to attend every hearing to speak out against parole.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at nick.beres@newschannel5.com
Another example of how one person can truly make a difference. And the best part - we all can help! As a nurse, Laura handles emergencies every day. But nothing could prepare her for the emergency that brought her hometown to its knees. From her current home in Tennessee, she's mobilizing aid and supplies for Helene survivors and is helping make their recovery easier and their holidays brighter. I hope you take a moment to watch her story - you might even feel inspired to lend a helping hand.
-Rebecca Schleicher
