William Heaton: Suspect in Athens hit-and-run to be in court

A man charged in a hit-and-run that left a former Kennesaw State University student in a coma is expected to face a judge on Thursday. William Heaton, 22, surrendered to police late on Wednesday night.

It's been reported that Heaton's parents drove him to the Clarke County Jail in Athens, nearly three weeks after he's accused of hitting 19-year-old Emily Bowman with his truck, nearly killing her, and fleeing the scene. She remains in critical condition at Athens Regional Medical Center.

"She has opened her eyes. At first, when she did, it was the blank stare out -- not really focusing on anything," said the victim's mother Debbie Bowman.

She's in a semi-coma state, says Debbie.

"The doctor was in there this moing, the ICU doctor and was talking to her in a louder tone and said look at me! And she kind of seemed like she tued her eyes a little bit so that's a good sign," Debbie said.

Emily Bowman remains alive but unresponsive after a driver hit her and left the scene on Feb. 16, 2013 in Athens-Clarke County. Bowman remains unresponsive, but has made significant progress in her recovery,

She's been at the hospital since February 16 when she was struck from behind by a truck while walking along Oak Street in Athens. Police say it was Heaton behind the wheel, and after nearly three weeks he faces six charges, including felony hit-and-run, and DUI.
    
His parents were with him as he tued himself in.

"I know they have said that they are genuinely sorry and my heart goes out to them too because they're getting ready to lose their son. So, it's a tough thing here. I wish he had come forward a lot earlier than now, I really do," said Debbie.

Bowman's friends in Woodstock are organizing a fundraiser on Thursday to help her family with increasing medical bills.

Ten percent of all sales at Buffalo's Cafe in Woodstock will go to Emily's family, and friends will sell bracelets and T-shirts. Debbie says the money will help as they focus on rehab. She says she is ready for the long road they face.

"Without God on my side I don't know how I could've handled this. But you know, I feel like I've been given the strength to go on because I have to be strong for her," said Debbie.

The money from the fundraiser will help the family as they try to get Emily moved from Athens Regional to the Sheppard Center in Atlanta.

Heaton will make his first appearance at a bond hearing at 8:30 a.m.