Mom Raquel Nelson charged in jaywalking death fights trial

Oct 5, 2011 - 20:40
Apr 7, 2016 - 20:44
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Mom Raquel Nelson charged in jaywalking death fights trial
In this May 2010 photo, Raquel Nelson tends to a shrine for her son A.J. Newman, 4, who was killed April 10, 2010, by a hit-and-run driver near the family's home on Austell road.

A Cobb County judge threw out one of three charges against a woman convicted of vehicular homicide in the death of her so on Wednesday.

Lawyer Steve Sadow made a request at a hearing Wednesday to dismiss all charges against Raquel Nelson. Nelson  was convicted of vehicular homicide in July and sentenced to a year's probation and 40 hours of community service. But the judge also made her the unusual offer of a new trial, which Nelson accepted.

Nelson was charged after her 4-year-old son was struck and killed by a van as they jaywalked across a busy Atlanta-area street in April 2010.

Prosecutors said they had little choice but to charge Nelson in her son's death. But the case has sparked outrage from activists who protested the decision.

The judge tossed out a reckless conduct charge because it was too vague, and is considering the other arguments presented by Nelson's attoey.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.