On October 22, Wendell Lachney got behind the wheel intoxicated and drove at 75mph into the rear of the Toyota Sienna sitting at a red light carrying nine year old Abigail Douglas. As a result of this crash, Abby lost her life, and Wendell Lachney walked away. 

Within hours, Wendell Lachney was allowed to post bail and leave custody, while Abby was on life support, determining her brain activity and her parents were making the decision to donate her organs. Conveniently, he checked himself into a rehabilitation facility while the charges of vehicular homicide were being filed once Abby was determined to be clinically dead.

Louisiana law states that he can stay in rehab for up to SIX MONTHS before being put into custody to face a judge for the vehicular homicide charges. That is SIX MONTHS that he lives comfortably in a facility while a family waits for justice and peace. SIX MONTHS until the family has to relive this all over again. That is SIX MONTHS too long.

This petition is directed to the District Attorney of Jefferson Parish, Paul Connick, Jr., to revoke Wendell Lachney's bail, and force him out of rehab to face his charges sooner rather than later. The Consitutional right to a speedy trial should also be afforded to victims of crimes, not just the criminals.

Abby was a bright and spunky child, who starred on the competitive cheerleading floor. She loved music, her best friends, and making silly videos. She left behind a loving mother and father, two little brothers, and a community of people who loved her shattered.

Abby and her family deserve justice. Wendell Lachney deserves his due trial.