Woman Forgives Drunk Driver Who Killed Her Son

A woman whose son was struck and killed by a drunk driver in Dallas said she forgives the driver, though she still wants justice for her son’s death.

Jennifer Strong said she was in Kansas City when she received the call that her son had been in an accident. 

“They told me my son had got hit by a car, but he was breathing,” said Strong, according to NBC 5 News.

According to Dallas police, Strong’s 27-year-old son, Manaliki Eugine Wilson, was crossing the road when a pickup truck struck him at high speed on March 17 at around 1:30 a.m. Officers said he was walking either to or from a bar located in the 2500 block of Hundall Street, near Denton Cut Off and Maple Avenue.

Dallas police identified 27-year-old Richard Rojas as the driver of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma that struck and killed Wilson. Police arrested Rojas after he failed a field sobriety test.

According to NBC 5 News, Wilson was transported to a hospital for treatment and died during surgery.

Strong flew to Dallas immediately upon hearing the news, but her son had already died from the accident with the drunk driver.

“I’m thinking they’re about to tell me that my son is paralyzed; he might have lost an arm or a leg,” Strong recalled. “They told me son was bleeding internally. He died during surgery.” 

According to a police affidavit, Rojas’ alcohol breath test results showed his blood alcohol content was nearly three times the legal limit at .22. He also allegedly admitted consuming two pints of Irish beer at a nearby bar. 

Rojas was arrested on charges of intoxication manslaughter and has since posted a $150,000 bond.

Despite wanting justice for her son’s killer, Strong said she forgives Rojas.

“I would have to tell him that I forgive him, and if you have a problem, please get help, please get help,” cried Strong, who revealed that she plans to be present for Rojas’ court dates.

Strong described her son as a creative, unique, caring, and strong person who wanted to travel the world and do many things. She said Wilson had moved to Dallas in 2017 to pursue his career as an artist, photographer, and model.

Wilson’s mother plans to advocate against drunken driving in honor of her son.