DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Decatur Police spent Tuesday morning reconstructing a crash that killed a Lakeside High School teacher.
Officers used laser technology to map out the crash site that killed 33-year-old Leah O’Brien.
They shut Scott Boulevard down from Clairemont Avenue to Coventry Road to study a spot marked by a small memorial.
“They are trying to figure out exactly what happened,’ said Gloria Jacobson, who lives in the area.
Right now police say 19-year-old Ramiro Pedemonte was going more than 100 miles per hour when they say he t-boned his teacher at Lakeside High School and killed her.
Investigators said Leah O’Brien was on her way to chaperone Pedemonte’s prom at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.
“I would love to hear more what they think happened in this accident,” said Rebecca Sullivan, who lives on Scott Boulevard.
O’Brien’s daughter Kori, a second grader, was also in the car and was in a coma and in critical condition. A family friend told us through email that, “Kori is improving, but still has a long road ahead of her, and I can tell you that.”
Police tell us by laser mapping the scene, they can collect road evidence. Representatives with the DeKalb County District Attorney’s office were there watching.
Residents who live along or near Scott Boulevard said they want another stop light and crosswalk installed near the crash site.
“We thought they were going to put a light here when Westchester reopened. We thought they would put a light and crossing walk to slow people down,” said Gloria Jacobson.
Residents are also worried about the sidewalk along Scott Boulevard. There is barely a curb and they said they think a driver could easily drift over and hit a pedestrian.
“Just a small error on the part of the driver could put someone at great risk,” Ed Jacobson said.
Pedemonte is currently facing first-degree vehicular homicide, serious injury by vehicle and reckless driving charges. He is out of jail on bond.
WSBTV
