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• 9/14/2009 - The pain ripples...
  
  Posted By: Marya (Chicago) | Hide

  I found out about this accident from a dear friend who lost a family member in this tragedy. May an angel of peace touch their hearts and bless those who were taken away. Teach the youth to always do the right thing and that rules are there to prevent sadness from happening.

• 8/6/2009 - The Road
  
  Posted By: Bob (Indian River) | Hide

  I lived in GC. That road may be traveled by prudent people under 55, but I know a lot of imprudent people who sometimes drive that road as fast as they can because it's rarely patroled, it's straight and in pretty good condition. The police know that and try to control it but it's hard for them to time every reckless driver in such a sparsley populated location. In the early 60s my dad drove to the beach, 10 miles south of town to sober up in the lake. He made it there in just over 5 minutes. I'm not proud of that, but I tell it as I know it's true. He wasn't the first and he wasn't the last. It's a dangerous road and everybody should know it. Another young man killed his own brother by driving too fast and rear ending another car. The people walking lawfully in this road weren't wrong but I wonder if they'd have known about this road's history, if they'd have still been there. This post is going to anger a lot of folks, but I think it's a perspective that future evening walkers need to be aware of. Maybe for a while this road will get patroled more but that won't help these folks.

• 8/6/2009 - Setting the scene...
  
  Posted By: local (Naubinway) | Hide

  Just to clarify for the non-locals. Yes it is still mostly light out at 10 pm. It doesn't get real dark until after 10:30 pm up here (we're REALLY Up North). The actual crash occurred at 9:30 pm but wasn't reported until 10 pm due to the distance to phones, etc. It is still light out at 9:30 and you can read a book outside with no trouble. Gould City Rd is a two lane road, not a State Hwy, but does have gravel shoulders in most places, that leads directly south and is mostly pretty straight from Gould City right into Lake Michigan (literally). There are only camps and cabins and one State Park that is very lightly visited plus a nice public beach area down that road. No other towns and the only bar is in Gould City or up on US 2. Traffic is negligible. There are all kinds of wildlife including deer that routinely stand in the middle of the road and would cause a prudent person to go below the 55 mph speed limit especially in the pre-dusk hours when the animals were active. If the young man who caused this accident were not local and not staying with folks down this road or at the campground, then he was kind of out of place there. He was found in a real wilderness area and hats off to the police for tracking him down. Keep in mind this is a backwoods location, I saw a wolf just down US 2 from Gould City that same night at about 11 pm.

• 8/6/2009 - Still wrong
  
  Posted By: Jordan (Buffalo, NY) | Hide

  Todd, Sensible is correct in their assumption. If he wasn't on drugs and alcohol, then what he did does appear much worse. As for Jessica, it does not matter what was going through his head. He still made the decision to drive. He still veered across the centerline, oncoming traffic lane, and struck a crowd of pedestrians. He still chose to drive off and attempt to cover it up. Whether he was on some sort of drug or just not himself, he still made all these bad decisions. Fortunately Todd, the only place you will be able to have lunch with your cousin, for the foreseeable future, would be in prison. That, I hope never changes.

• 8/4/2009 - something to thing about
  
  Posted By: Todd (Montrose) | Hide

  Sensible your a very condescending person. Like Jessica I too am one of Dustin cousin and if in what he did or is being charged with wrong. Drawing conclusions and accusations will only fuel untrue rumors that will do no good to the memories of the victims or their families. Our family is all to aware of what happens when someones life is taken early and tragically and understand what the family is going through. So before passing judgment on what you think you know or what you might have heard,watch your condescending arrogant manor and think of what you are doing and determine if it is helping the victims of this. You accuse Jessica of stipulating that he might not have been on drugs/alcohol but your doing the same in reverse,... and yes I would still invite my cousin over for lunch, even though I don't agree with what he did.

• 8/3/2009 - Ok Jessica - no alcohol or drugs
  
  Posted By: Sensible (Gould City) | Hide

  Ok Jessica, I get it. Oh poor Dusty, getting called these terrible things.... How can you treat him this way without knowing my friend/cousin/etc.... Ok then, Lets stipulate, no alcohol, no drugs. We take it all back. Now, explain to me how this puts Dusty in a better light. He still killed multiple people by driving on the wrong side of the road, all the way to the opposite shoulder, then drove away, attempted to hide the car and presumably escape justice. Does this help soften the blow? Is sober-Dusty now a more acceptable person? A better cousin? Ready to have him over for lunch? If Dusty or his friends can't take the heat, they shouldn't have let him drive. If he did this fully sober, I think people will ultimately think even less of him. Maybe he is not the person you think he is.... The right thing is for you to realize he is not the victim, in any way, and deserves no consideration, subject only to proper rules of law and prosecution thereof. Be an adult citizen and not a relative of Dusty, don't defend this person or behavior and, rather, become an advocate for responsibility in driving and in life.

• 8/3/2009 - To those defending Dustin
  
  Posted By: Friends of the victims (The U.P.) | Hide

  Everybody has bad days, if you can't control yourself after having a bad day, then you should just stay home! There is no excuse for this to have happen, end of story!

• 8/2/2009 - Rude
  
  Posted By: Jessica (Montrose, MI) | Hide

  I understand where all of you are coming from but you have no right to accuse him of being on drugs and on alcohol. This is my cousin and I am not making excuses he was wrong. But people need to understand him too. His friend had just passed away not to long ago. I am truely sorry for all of your loses. My prayers go out to you all and to the victims of all!

• 7/31/2009 - Focus on Victims, Please...
  
  Posted By: Upper Peninsula () | Hide

  For everyone who is deciding whether or not Dustan is guilty, let's allow the court system to do that. The most important thing that we need to do here is be here for the victim's and the victims' families. It doesn't matter if they were on the shoulder of the road in the dark or if he had just left a funeral. We need to focus solely on the fact that he killed people and left the scene of this tragedy. So, please, instead of arguing about his arraignment, let's pray for the families of the victims and let the courts do their job.

• 7/31/2009 - when is it dark?
  
  Posted By: () | Hide

  so it isnt dark at 10 at night?

• 7/31/2009 - One mistake but still correct
  
  Posted By: Jordan (Buffalo NY) | Hide

  Hey, I will admit I made a single mistake. I did not know which section of the road the accident occurred. The Story's description lacks the detail. So I assumed it was in the village. For that, I am sorry. To the one whom attacked me though, that was uncalled for. I did not make it up. I saw a street level view of your road. I didn't read it, I saw it. I just did not know where the accident occured on that stretch of road. But we are in full agreement that he was fully at fault. Whatever his reason was, it was his lack of judgment that caused the lives of three people. As for Tom, who was there to provide him with that well deserved and severe beating? He managed to knock everyone over in his initial assault.

• 7/31/2009 - Fairness is right
  
  Posted By: Tom (Gould City) | Hide

  Stopping after such brutal behaviour would have resulted in a well deserved and severe beating, but given that he still could have stopped a couple miles later or gone to one of the houses and made a call. Not doing so is inexcusable on the driver's part. Regardless why they were in the road the driver was completely derelict in his behaviour, as the road markings clearly show. Fairness is right about the attempt to escape. The road he took is a rough two track that used to lead to a road 20 miles west of GC. It's my understanding it's now blocked before you can get to the Quary Road. I used that two track over 30 years ago to drive to a swimming hole out there but it took so long I never went that far on it again. I still hunt out there and it's very desolate.

• 7/31/2009 - may she rest with the angels....
  
  Posted By: (Gould City) | Hide

  I will miss jonel greatly...im so happy to have known her, and this tragedy strikes hard to the heart, that some self centered drug addict/alcoholic would be so agressive and hurt inncocent people, and take such wonderful & special people away from friends and family. my heart aches for all involved. At least she is at peace now.

• 7/31/2009 - James is ashamed
  
  Posted By: Fairness (Gould City) | Hide

  James, You are off base. Many of those posting, including me, have a great deal of direct information of what happened, have been to the scene, and even talked to officials. We may be wrong here and there, but many are not speculating on the major points. Drive to the site of the accident -- his car completely crossed the road -- to the OPPOSITE shoulder. It is very clearly marked. This was a mean, angry, drunk/drugged likely trying an aggressive maneuver that got out of control - (yes - I speculate he crossed the road deliberately, based on my observation of the track of the vehicle and circumstances). Leaving the scene doesn't "just happen" to anyone -- he made that choice -- that is the second pillar of this man's character we see. Did he then quickly call the police after 5 or 10 minutes of cool down and reflection? No, he fled the area on twisty 2 tracks and back roads to go hide the car. What a great guy and what a loss to society it will be to have him incarcerated. This is not something that can happen to any of us. It is not the same for his family as those injured.

• 7/31/2009 - hmmm
  
  Posted By: (around) | Hide

  Well, if he was at his best friends funeral or memorial service, there is no doubt in my mind that dustin was drunk or had been on drugs. Seeing as he attended a memorial service for his friend who had died of a drug over-dose. "Bes" friends eh!?! He deserves Murder #1, Manslaughter, Murder #2, Attempted murder, Leaving the scene, restricted license. And 2 counts of drunk driving? Why wasnt his license just suspended? --you'll make jonel--be strong!!!

• 7/31/2009 - TO JORDAN
  
  Posted By: (Gould City) | Hide

  YOUR A COMPLETE IDIOT! DO YOU BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ ON THE INTERNET! I LIVE IN GOULD CITY, AND HAVE FOR 20 YEARS! MY BEST FRIEND LIVES DOWN THAT ROAD, TO TELL YOU THE HONEST TRUTH, THE SPEED LIMIT AFTER TOWN IS UNMARKED, WHICH THEN THE ROAD BECOMES 45 or 55 MPH! YOUR DUMB! YOUR NOT EVEN FROM AROUND THERE AND YOUR GOING TO GOOGLE SOMETHING OR WHATEVER TO PROVE A POINT!?! THIS DUSTIN KID DESERVES EVERYTHING THAT IS COMING TO HIM. THEY WERE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD, LIKE MOST PEOPLE WHO RUN, OR TAKE WALKS, OR RIDE THEIR BIKE, RESPECTIVELY PEOPLE IN THAT TOWN KNOW THAT YOU CANT DRIVE 70MPH. THATS WHAT HE PROBABLY WAS DOING & LOST CONTROL HITTING A BAD PART OF THE ROAD. DUSTIN IS A IDIOT FOR SEVERAL THINGS, THEY NEED TO JUST THROW AWAY THE KEY, BECAUSE THERE IS NO HOPE. AND IF THE GUY HAS ANY HUMANE CONSCIOUS HE WOULD ACCEPT HIS RESPONSIBILITIES AND PAY THE CONSEQUENCES. --keep on keeping on jonel, i know you can pull threw this....--

• 7/31/2009 - Ashamed
  
  Posted By: James (Midland) | Hide

  This tragedy could have happened to any one of us and to condemn an individual with out knowing that facts is not the way we do things in this country. Both families are suffering and in need of community support not condemnation, Please come together on this and make a positive contribution, there is enough pain and suffering in this world we certainly don't need ad to it.

• 7/31/2009 - prayers
  
  Posted By: Kathleen (Key West) | Hide

  I am grateful i was able to meet Julie during our highschool years..she talked me in to playing college ball with her in Corning..many memories..i sorry i never said goodbye...i will speak to you in my prayers Julie...

• 7/30/2009 - presumption of innocence
  
  Posted By: Fairness (Gould City) | Hide

  I agree with the posts about presumed innocence for Dustin in the legal sense. He will have that in his court proceedings. However, this isn't a complex burglary or home intrusion event where a combination of circumstantial and physical evidence must be combined with CSI like precision to identify culprits and prove their guilt. That said, having visited the scene and observed the level of investigation, an extensive investigation is being done. Dozens of markings were left on the road, covering details of the vehicle's path, where each part was left, etc. I'm sure Dustin's lawyer can raise all sorts of theoretical questions. Fortunately for the victims, 'reasonable' doubt means reasonable. It will turn out that his finger prints cover the steering wheel, his car left numerous traces on the road and victims, and his plausible testimony will disagree with everything else discovered, whether from witnesses at the scene or otherwise. This is more like a kid outside a store with a product stuffed in their pocket, only sold by that retailer, having been caught on video taking it prior to exiting, and then claiming they intended to return it, but just forget. Legally, Dustin deserves the presumption of innocence. In practical terms, this is as open and shut as it gets. Only one person drives a car. Either he was drunk or just otherwise unfit to drive, it doesn't really matter -- in any case, he wasn't legally driving in the first place. His only legal hope is a technicality or seriously weak and unsympathetic jury. As for his character, that was demonstrated by driving away, not calling the police himself, and by attempting to hide the damaged car. It doesn't sound like the guy I'd want spending time with my kids. There are no good or bad little people inside us, we are who we are by our actions, the rest is just noise, wishes, dreams, fears, etc. In a moment, I believe his character was revealed. If he mans up as others have said, and admits to the likely facts, even his cowardice thereafter, I would ease up in my thoughts -- though he still deserves a very, very long term incarceration. Best wishes to all who were harmed by this tragedy.

• 7/30/2009 - Punishment must fit the crime
  
  Posted By: () | Hide

  I'm no saint but really.... this guy needs to get whats coming to him. He killed 2 people one happened to be a friend of mine - he injured more (one of which happened to be a friend of mine) he killed a couple of dogs (I'm a dog lover) this guy deserves punishment that I can not describe on the internet.

• 7/30/2009 - High Speed Rd II
  
  Posted By: Tom (Gould City) | Hide

  Jordon, The speed control signs you're citing apply only to the village limits. Once south bound traffic passes the sign you so astutely noticed on the south side of town, it becomes an unmarked road, and the default speed for that in MI is 55.

• 7/30/2009 - Uggh!
  
  Posted By: (Detroit) | Hide

  Comments about how wonderful the victims are is not at all relevant! Their character and future plans are not why they were involved in this incident! So, please stick to the facts. All that is known thus far is that people were hit by a vehicle and that vehicle left the scene. Everything else (including that it was Dustan's vehicle involved, that Dustan was driving the vehicle, or even that he was in it) is speculative, and Dustan is entitled to his day in court. I lost a very good friend in a car accident not too long ago, and the first thing we all did was place blame - it is a coping mechanism. I understand wanting to blame. I also understand that it is easier to blame someone who the world is condemning. I highly doubt that you would feel the same if all "reported" facts were the same except the "Dustan" in this situation were a priest, pastor or nun.

• 7/30/2009 - Lock him up
  
  Posted By: Bob (Midland) | Hide

  He deserves to be locked up and never let out. He's a bad person too bad he killed others and not just himself

• 7/29/2009 - 25 MPH
  
  Posted By: Randy (Gould City) | Hide

  Jordan, I've noticed your conversation with Tom on the speed limit in our village. If you're heading south it's 25 from the point you state and stays that way until you pass the other 25 MPH sign that applies to the North bound traffic. That's the boundaries. They're about a mile apart (maybe not that much). It's 55 from there until you get to the curves, just before the beach. This is really a trivial point however and you're both idiots for arguig about it and I told Tom that. The fact is that man was out of control and had no business on the Gould City road or any other for that matter. I'd like to be able to say "End of Story" but sadly it isn't.

• 7/29/2009 - i love u
  
  Posted By: D (louisburg) | Hide

  i love and miss u and i always will. i wish it never happend. u are my best freind. i will keep your wish and become a NC tarheel b-ball player. i love you julie. LOVE D

• 7/29/2009 - Jordon Look at Google Earth
  
  Posted By: Tom (Gould City) | Hide

  Jordon, As a person from New York and never having been to Gould City I'll forgive you for not knowing the complexities of our community. The 25 Mile per hour sign you're referring to is at the north entrance of the village, about 400 yards north of the tracks. Which is the village speed limit. That expires at the 25 mph sign for south bound traffic about 400 yards south of the tracks. From that point to the beach it's unmarked and is 55. As stated the road is rarely traveled and I'm pretty sure some folks drive to the beach faster than that sometimes. They aren't supposed to but it's a long straight road and some folks are reckless. There have been other deaths between Gould City and Lake Michigan. Some of them locals. Regarding walking from building to building. That's what I'm wondering. Where the group was doesn't have any buildings. Remember the party was well south of town.

• 7/29/2009 - Questioning
  
  Posted By: Jordan (Buffalo, NY) | Hide

  Tom, are you saying that Google Streetview which CLEARLY shows the 25 mph signs is faked? Or are you just so ignorant that you never noticed the signs? As for why they were walking along the side of the road, they were probably walking from one building to another. My guess is that is allowed.

• 7/29/2009 - Why again
  
  Posted By: Tom (Gould City) | Hide

  To Mike: I have to ask. Why were you all in the road? Were you walking to the beach? What was the compelling reason to be out there, as there's no dwelling, business or noteworthy place to walk to? The nearest house is a mile a way. We in town heard of the reunion on the land owned by your family, but we didn't know why you were on the road. Others saw you there earlier and slowed down for your group. I'm not blaming any victims but I do find it curious. You certainly had a right to use the road to walk on but why congregate there, as that was reported as well?

• 7/29/2009 - thanks for prayers
  
  Posted By: Ed (Grand Rapids) | Hide

  To all the nice messages that have been posted. Our family thanks you. For the family and friends of Dustin. I actually will pray for him. I hope he comes clean and takes responsibility for what he has done. No exuses, just mans up. If he does that, you will see what a kind, and loving family we are. We understand that putting Dustin away doesn't bring back our loved ones or change what has happened. We just want fair justice and Dustin coming clean would be a good start. To the other would be law students and defenders of Dustin, it does make me wonder what your motives are. You make statements as if you were there. You weren't. I was and it was horrific. It wasn't dark and the road was a long and rarely traveled road. They were all traveling on the shoulder and doing NO WRONG. I hope you all don't have to see and go through what we have all gone through. Again, that being said, I will pray for Dustin. I hope that the demons that made him drive off and hide his truck go away. Peace to all.

• 7/29/2009 - Julie my cousin
  
  Posted By: Donnie (Snow Hill) | Hide

  She will be missed, so sorry aunt Tina!

• 7/29/2009 - Fact
  
  Posted By: Mike (Grand Rapids) | Hide

  I was there. Were you? To those who lay blame on the victims, even a little, I want you to know this from someone who was there: IT WASN'T DARK YET WHEN HE MOWED DOWN MY FAMILY ALL OF THE VICTIMS WERE ON THE SHOULDER ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD OPPOSING TRAFFIC. So, please don't blame the victims. Not even a little.

• 7/29/2009 - Julie is my BOW WOW -
  
  Posted By: Susan Wagner (Durham) | Hide

  Unbelievable that someone like him is still driving!

• 7/29/2009 - High Speed road
  
  Posted By: Tom (Gould City) | Hide

  Jordan, you're wrong. I live in GC and that stretch of road is over a mile and half south of Gould City. It's unmarked for any speed making it 55 by default. Simply speaking my point is they were on a dangerous road in the dark.

• 7/29/2009 - My Aunt
  
  Posted By: SLH () | Hide

  Agreed Jordan,my aunt was murdered..she didn't die it was murder! for those of u who are sicking up for Dustan need to stop b/c if it was one of your family members then it wouldn't be ok. He should be hit by a drunk-emotional person going 70 at 25mph then tell me how it feels! And we can just flee just like he did!! i cry myself to sleep some nights and when i do sleep i have nightmares of the whole thing!! He should have known not to drive if he was drunk and emotionally unstable! R.I.P. Aunt Julie you will be missed<3 my blessings go out to Jonell and her family as well!!

• 7/29/2009 - No Excuse
  
  Posted By: Jordan (Buffalo, NY) | Hide

  For those of you whom try to defend Dustan because he went to his friend's funeral and may have not been in a right mind, are full of it. So many of us lose someone and don't go out there running down people. If he was unfit to drive, he shouldn't have been driving. His poor decision to drive that day not only caused the death of two innocent people, but caused even worse pain to the families and friends of the two he killed. I hope he never sees the light of day again.

• 7/29/2009 - not murder
  
  Posted By: lisa (kalkaska) | Hide

  a terrible accident. the people in the road had something to do with it too..23 people on a country road in the dark..a terrible accident but not intenional..and certainally NOT murder. totally avoidable as well between the people in the road and an upset driver.

• 7/29/2009 - to all of you
  
  Posted By: JoJo () | Hide

  first of all Id like to say what ahorrible thing for the families to be going through.I can understand how people would be so angry at what happened and especially the families who lost loved ones.Who wouldnt be angry and upset. I know Dustin personally and is good friends of my kids.He is the type of person who would jump in front of a car to save someone let alone do what he did.Yes, he screwed up but what people dont know is he was at a memorial for his best friend and Im sure not in his right state of mind.Im not saying this is an excuse but he would never intentially do this.Im sure if he could do it over this wouldnt have happened and I know he cant bring back people who have died,but knowing Dustin he would rather give his.How many people have no license and actually dont ever drive,honestly. I strongly believe he was just so upset and made some horrible decisions.My heart goes out to the family and Dustin.We are here for you Dustin.

• 7/29/2009 - I Knew Dustin
  
  Posted By: () | Hide

  You guys need to hear all sides of the story, im not saying in any way what he did should be justified but, He was on his way home form his best friends funeral. He might not have been drinking he might have I dont know but he was definetly upset. He is the type of person that would not do something like this. Ive known dustin all my life. My prayers go out to the family but he should not get murder.

• 7/29/2009 - DUSTIN
  
  Posted By: () | Hide

  i know this dustin personally and he does not seem like the person to purposly hurt someone. I know what he did was wrong by running and hurting these people. but just keep it in your mind he was a good person. My heart goes out to anyone that lost a family member that day. I heard about this incident and had to look it up because i did not believe he was capable of doing this.

• 7/29/2009 - Why
  
  Posted By: Shannon Yonker (Limestone) | Hide

  I have one big question and that of course is Why. She was a great person whom I am glad I got to know. We went to school withe each other here in limestone and she was a great friend. I just don't understand how some one can do this. My thoughts and prayers are with you all who Knew Julie. I still got your number 14(bascketball) girl I will hold that close to me

• 7/28/2009 - RIP Julie Hatch
  
  Posted By: Ivan (Charlotte, NC) | Hide

  Accidents do happen, but driving over 70 mph on a 25 mph road and fleeing the scene and trying to ditch the vehicle... these were not accidents. Dustan should be convicted of all charges and should serve at least life in prison, if not worse. He took my aunt away way too soon and the pain he has caused our family will never be forgotten. I love you Julie.

• 7/28/2009 - To Julie's Family
  
  Posted By: Jennifer Stevenson (North Port, FL orig. Limestone) | Hide

  I just want to say how truly sorry I am that this has happened. Julie was a great person, always crazy and full of life and loved by all who met her! We went to school together and she was a friend of mine (and my cousin's) growing up; she's someone you never forget. I hope that someday after this man is put away that you all will be able to find peace. You're all in my thoughts and prayers, as are the other families as well.

• 7/28/2009 - Guilt by Speculation
  
  Posted By: not important (Detroit) | Hide

  My prayers are with the families of those involved. However, placing blame on this young man and wishing him to life in prison will not bring these people back. If only it could! What ever happened to innocent until proven guilty? In concluding that this person is responsible and should be sentenced to life in prison you assume the following: (1) that the vehicle that was found was without a doubt the vehicle involved; (2) that this young man was even in the vehicle when this occurred; (3) that he was driving the vehicle at the time of the incident; (4) that any "swerving" was not the result of the driver trying to avoid hitting a deer or other animal (maybe even one of those 6 dogs); (5) that, even assuming he was driving the SUV, there was no one else involved unnecessarily pressuring him to leave the scene and threatening his life; (6) that there was no other justifiable reason for the driver to leave the scene; (7) that alcohol was involved; (8) that "leaving the scene" makes this murder (this is interesting - take a criminal law class before you make these assumptions). I pray for everyone involved. I will also pray that the truth will be discovered so that the families of those who were killed might find closure. But, I will not conclude that this young man is guilty of murder before he has had the opportunity to defend himself and, after that opportunity, is found to be guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by a jury of his peers.

• 7/28/2009 - Mike's Grandmother
  
  Posted By: Nancy (Stafford,Va) | Hide

  I'am very sorry to hear of your loss . My prayers go out to the Family.

• 7/28/2009 - i hope
  
  Posted By: Kristen (Stafford) | Hide

  I hope dustan's family never gets to see him again. So then they feel what we are feeling. I hope he rots in jail for the rest of his life. How as a person can you leave someone dead on the side of the road and leave. Not look back and try to ditch the evidence of what you did. You took an amazing aunt from me . i hope they haunt you in your sleep at night.

• 7/28/2009 - Love and Prayers from NC
  
  Posted By: (Raleigh, NC) | Hide

  Jonel and Julie....two of the very nicest people I know. We are devastated by this event. Julie's light shined brightly from within.......I have simply never seen her without a smile on her face. She will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with both families. Jonel - you are tough girl! hang in there. We are praying for you and sending much love your way.

• 7/28/2009 - Puzzled by Lisa
  
  Posted By: Chuck (Grand Rapids MI) | Hide

  What is your understanding of right-of-way? I hope you don't drive near where people walk. Pedestrians always have the legal right of way. Secondly, the pedestrians were on the other side of the road, walking near the edge, into traffic, as is always suggested. how do you see a gray area here?

• 7/28/2009 - He knowingly broke the law.
  
  Posted By: Mark (Robinsonville, MS) | Hide

  Mr. Bowen was a habitual offender, who was knowingly violating a court ordered restricted license. His violation of this order resulted in the deaths, and injuries of others. If he had not violated the order, then the deaths as a result of his actions would not have occured. Murder? lets hope the Prosecutor is savy enough to prove those charges.

• 7/28/2009 - Are you Kidding me TOM ??
  
  Posted By: Are you Kidding me TOM ? (EUP) | Hide

  Tom... The guy hits these people drives off , doesnt go to a house ( If he was afraid of getting beat up ) and doesnt call 911 or try to help or tell his side of the story.. Lets see this piece of turd has priors from drunk driving it said to stealing a car ? How can you defend him or any action he did ? As a driver its your responsibility to be able to stop in a safe distance PERIOD ! All 23 people didnt jump out in front of him all at once did they ? Youve gotta be kidding me ! Im thinking your one of his friends or relatives or a drunk yourself... Jeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh

• 7/28/2009 - Lisa
  
  Posted By: (Durham) | Hide

  I hope that after reading Tom's post you change your mind. If not, I would have to venture to say you have never lost a love one or you are a drunk driver yourself or you are related to the piece of crap that did this.

• 7/28/2009 - Tom and Lisa are WAY off
  
  Posted By: Jordan (Buffalo NY) | Hide

  Tom, the pedestrians were not in the road, they were on the shoulder of the road which if you actually saw the road, you would know there isnt another way of walking down there. Also, it is a 25mph road. If you dont believe me, go to http://www.maps.google.com and bring up the section of S. Gould City Road and Route 2. Then bring up the pedestrian view and click on going South of the intersection 19 times. What do you see on the side of the road? A sign indicating a 25 mph speed limit. There's one on the south side of Newton too! There are also Pedestrian Warning Signs. As for you Lisa, it would only be Vehicular Manslaughter but it became Murder because he attempted to cover it up. He was caught ditching the vehicle. When you try to cover it up, especially such a HEINOUS act, it becomes murder.

• 7/28/2009 - Questions
  
  Posted By: Tom (Gould City) | Hide

  The group had been seen through out the day in the road. Where were they going lined up heading South in the dark with dogs? There's more here than we know. The driver was completely wrong no question. As to fleeing, he probably did that when he figured the alternative was to stop, pull over and get beaten to a pulp or killed (which he deserved) but still there's more to this story than an out of control drunk.

• 7/28/2009 - My loving sister
  
  Posted By: Kathy (Louisburg , NC) | Hide

  Julie is my baby sister and has given me more joy than I ever knew possible. Her life was taken by a man that had no remorse for actions as he proved by running like a coward and trying to cover up his mess. Yes accidents happen but when people act irresponsibile as Duastan Bowen did he deserves everything he has coming. My son has cried himself to sleep every night since his aunt was taken from him for no apparent reason. Please don't try to justify this mans actions while I plan my only sisters funeral. I hope Dustin will feel the pain that we feel as he spends his life in prison.

• 7/28/2009 - Not murder???
  
  Posted By: Holly (Durham) | Hide

  Anytime you hit someone and kill them it is at the least vehicular homicide. The fact that he ran and tried to hide proves he knew what he had done and still ran. How much more intentional do you get than that? He didn't even have a valid license. I guess he also didn't intentionally drive while knowing his license was revoked? The charges changed the moment he ran and hid. That showed he not only knew what he had done, but that he also didn't care about the people HE hurt. Not murder? I'd be willing to bet you'd have a different view if it was someone you cared about.

• 7/28/2009 - shameful act - disagree with tom post
  
  Posted By: John (Gould City) | Hide

  Read the reports - the vehicle crossed the center line and struck the group from behind. Why did the driver flee, try to hide his car in the woods? What sort of person hits multiple people with their car and then drives off? This person deserves the benefit of a doubt only in the strictest legal sense. Otherwise, a low-life, giving all responsible drivers a bad name. Drive to the scene - the investigative markings are still there, the vehicle actually touched the shoulder on the wrong side of the road before it struck the group from behind. Individual wheels are marked through the whole sequence.

• 7/28/2009 - agree with Tom
  
  Posted By: lisa (kaleva) | Hide

  it might be unpopular but it is also a valid point. How can you charge someone with murder under these circumstances? Not to say that the driver was right to leave by any means..but this was not an intentional act and the group of people was not obeying the right of way.

• 7/28/2009 - Prayers from NC
  
  Posted By: Rudy (Hillsborough) | Hide

  I am going to pray for Jonel and all the people and families who need it right now... In moments like this there is no rational, there is nothing that can be said that can make it better! The only one thing that helps it be semi manageble rigth now is to know that we have each other (families and friends) to remember them and help them when they are ill.

• 7/28/2009 - Why?
  
  Posted By: Tom (Gould City) | Hide

  Why were so many people in the road. I'm not sure this tragedy is completely the fault of the stupid, reckless driver. There were locals who reported a large gathering of people on the South Gould City Road that caused them to slow down to 5MPH or or less, to get past them. This road, by the way, is a 55MPH country road. This doesn't excuse the horrible act of a reckless driver, but 23 people on a high speed road, in the dark, is to say the least less than safe. I didn't read where any of these people had flashlights either.

• 7/28/2009 - We'll never understand...
  
  Posted By: Holly (Durham) | Hide

  I feel so blessed to have even known Julie. She and Jonel took me in on the softball team and we had so much fun. From Tom Petty to playing ball in the rain, we will miss you Julie and we love you Jonel.

• 7/28/2009 - Love
  
  Posted By: myfamily4life (Burt) | Hide

  I am very sorry for the victims. I have said a prayer for the victims and Dustan. He has to live the rest of his life knowing he has accidentally killed innocent people. Anyone who drives could kill a pedestrian at any time and then will have to spend the rest of their life in prison because of a horrible accident. This could happen to anyone that drives. This is a fine example of the dangerous things Americans do while driving, talking on the phone, eating, texting etc that can lead to a accident. While doing these things a person as innocent as the next could be jailed for something he did not mean to do.

• 7/28/2009 - we miss you!
  
  Posted By: Lynn (Durham) | Hide

  I can't beleive that this happened... Jules- you will be missed dearly! I wish you could have been at the sunset last night... it was beautiful to see everyone turn out for you! There must have been around 100-150 of your closest friends there! We love you and you will live on in our hearts forever. To Jonel and the families- please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers! Jo we are all sending our love and healing thoughts your way! We love you and we are all truly saddened by this tragedy. May God watch over and protect you all. To Dustan Bowen- I hope you know how horribly your actions have changes our lives forever... Your negligence has cost 2 people their lives, and left others hanging in the balance. I know that one day you will have to pay for what you have done, and that brings me peace. In the meantime, I hope you spend a very long time- even the rest of your life- in jail living with your guilt.

• 7/27/2009 - Fitting Punishment
  
  Posted By: Jordan (Buffalo, NY) | Hide

  My cousin was one of the victims of these heinous act. Even if this Dustan gets a life sentence, it will never be enough to make ammends to all the suffering he has inflicted to the families of his victims. This coward had the nerve to cause such a heinous act and then flee and try to cover it up. Why did he have to do it? This section of road has a 25 mph speed limit. There was no need for it. He can NEVER make up for the suffering he has caused.

• 7/27/2009 - Throw the book at him!
  
  Posted By: Train (Gaylord) | Hide

  This sounds disgusting! If what has been reported is true, he deserves to spend the rest of his life in jail. He deserves worse, but nothing can repay those that were effected.

• 7/27/2009 - friends
  
  Posted By: Gerri wilkes (Durham) | Hide

  Mr. bowen who was driven the SUV that hit the reunion party was charged with 2nd degree murder. he needs to be placed under the jail for the rest of his life.

• 7/27/2009 - Devistating
  
  Posted By: () | Hide

  I know one of the people who was hit and it makes me very sad to know that she is suffering from someone who did not have the common courtesy to slow down or even stop at the seen of this accident. I am glad they caught this jerk. He deserves to rot in jail.. Please keep this person in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you!!!

• 7/27/2009 - my aunt my best friend
  
  Posted By: katie (olean ny) | Hide

  growing up my aunt was my best friend we were 3 yrs. apart and spent every chance we had together, she was a wonderful woman and loved by many people. her life was taken from us way too soon. Dustan Bowen will never know what he has done to our family, he needs to be prosecuted to the fullest! you will be missed, i love you julie!

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• 11/20 - Monday on Michigan This Morning