Hit-and-run victim meets with New Hanover DA, speaks out for public safety
NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — A woman who lost part of her leg in an alleged hit-and-run accident says she had a face-to-face meeting Monday with New Hanover District Attorney Jason Smith.
“I’m grateful this morning,” said Tracy Turner.
Tracy Turner stepped out of the office of District Attorney Jason Smith on Monday feeling validated.
“I was hopeful before I came down here,” said Turner.
This meeting she says she had with the DA is just one step in Turner’s plan, bettering public safety and advocating for the rights of hit-and-run victims.
“Now I feel heard,” says Turner.
Nearly three years ago, Turner was on her motorcycle when she says she was hit by Brandon Bennett, who Turner says was impaired and fled the scene.
“You know I just, I knew right away that it was bad,” said Turner.
The accident cost her most of her left leg, resulting in her having to wear a prosthetic.
Turner is condemning what she feels is a lenient plea deal that includes parole and reducing Bennett’s sentence to time served.
“What had been negotiated was not supporting public safety,” said Turner.
She was prepared to read a statement in court on Monday opposing the deal arranged by the Assistant District Attorney and the Defense Council.
It strikes an emotional nerve, with Turner expressing the permanent alterations on her life.
“I lost my leg. I lost my independence and my life as I once knew it. Those profound losses were replaced by a startling new reality I lived with every single day. I am serving a life sentence,” said Turner.
Turner wants full justice.
“Required to serve the full sentence allowed under the law and pay full restitution. Accountability matters. Justice matters. In this case, justice demands so much more than what is being offered,” says Turner.
Bennett has been in jail since the accident in January 2023.
The District Attorney’s office tells WWAY it can’t comment on the facts of a pending case and won’t issue a statement regarding meetings scheduled with District Attorney Jason Smith.
