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Grief and Justice: Mother's Plea After Son's Death
2 May
Summary
- Mother expresses empathy for the family of the accused.
- Suspect charged with felony hit-and-run causing death.
- Suspect claims drug deal led to erratic driving and death.
A mother, Janice Spidel, has waited four months for an arrest in the death of her son, Rhyne Linker, who was killed in his Gastonia driveway. The pain of the event is compounded by a profound sense of empathy Spidel now feels for the family of the accused.
Josiah Urquihart-Crew was arrested on Friday, facing charges related to a fatal hit-and-run. Prosecutors allege that Urquihart-Crew and a passenger were engaged in a drug deal. He reportedly drove erratically and struck Linker, who was working on a friend's car at the time.
Urquihart-Crew surrendered to authorities and pleaded with the judge, mentioning his own two sons. Spidel, however, remains resolute, stating that justice must be served and accountability must occur. She also emphasized the shared humanity in the situation, praying for the defendant's family.
The judge set Urquihart-Crew's bond at $425,000. Spidel acknowledges that testifying may mean reliving the traumatic day but is willing to endure the emotional pain for her son.
