Dear District Attorney Melinda Katz,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing with deep concern about the case of Ava Conklin. The outcome of the grand jury proceedings has left many of us questioning the fairness and justice in this tragic incident.

I want to express my deep distress regarding the misdemeanor charges against Daniel Sails. His social media activity at 1:24 on the morning of the incident raises serious concerns. If his claim of falling asleep is accurate, it implies a conscious decision to drive while exhausted. Driving is a privilege that should not be taken lightly, and his actions put numerous lives at risk that day, tragically resulting in the loss of my innocent, beautiful 19-year-old niece.

Other Social Media posts indicate a concerning pattern of behavior that raises questions about his judgment, responsibility, and ability to operate a vehicle safely. A quick search of his TikTok and Facebook pages will show you a claim to be high while filling up his gas tank and much more. Yet with all of these factors, a toxicology test was never administered. The family will never know if he was impaired.

I'm aware of your personal experience with losing your mother to a drunk driver. Imagine if a sobriety test wasn't submitted, and the driver faced only a misdemeanor charge.

I urge you to reevaluate the charges and ensure that justice is served for Ava and her family. Transparency and accountability in legal proceedings are crucial, and I believe a thorough review is necessary.

Furthermore, I want to bring to your attention the public outcry surrounding this matter. A petition has been started, garnering significant support from the community. The entire Peninsula stands united in seeking justice for Ava, and there is a growing call for a reevaluation of the grand jury ruling. If necessary, we are prepared to take our concerns directly to your office, including potential community marches to express our collective demand for a just resolution.

Lastly, if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), it is mandated to undergo toxicology testing. A similar standard should apply to all motor vehicle operators. My next fight is creating Ava’s Law, proposing that anyone involved in an accident where there is a confirmed death, a possibility of death, or a serious injury (victim is unconscious, visible broken bones, etc.) should be breathalyzed and have blood drawn (considering that marijuana is now legal, similar to alcohol). The driver's refusal should result in a 2-year New York State license suspension without the option for a "hardship" license, which typically allows DWI defendants to drive to work and for a few hours on weekends. We hope you will support this initiative when the time comes.

You are the only one who can make the appropriate changes. Ava's life matters!