Justine Winter's Court Statement

August 18, 2011— -- The following is an excerpt from a statement Justine Winter made in court, addressing the family of Erin Thompson and her son Caden, during her sentencing hearing on June 6.

I just want you guys to know that…you may feel that I don't…I don't take…accountability, but it's not accountability that I need to take, it's… I don't know what it is. But I just, I want you guys to know that I would never hurt anyone by intention, and we don't know, no one will ever know, what…what actually happened on the night of March 19th. I know that the facts show, all these different things, and, I've put myself in many sit—in the situations saying…could—is it even possible that this happened? That, that I intentionally crossed that center line, and, took the lives of three human beings that, I can't even…I can't even imagine meant to you guys. I will, although I don't have any…I don't have children and I don't…I've never been through anything as heart wrenching as this…and having anyone taken from me… But I've had…I know the feeling of, the love for my family and friends, and, I couldn't imagine it.

I've wanted ever since…day one, after, after I suddenly realized and, was told by my parents three months after the fact, that… that other people were taken in this accident, that there was even another vehicle… After I found that out, I, I've wanted to speak with you for…two years now. I've wanted to let you guys know, that, my heart goes out to you. And as every single one of you came up here today… and showed your heart, my heart was breaking. Because of the, the tragedy that you guys had to fill. Had to feel. I, I know that we will never know, and that's the worst part about it is that we will never know. But, I just hope that you guys will be able to forgive, that, I will never be able to say that this actually happened, that I intentionally crossed the center line…wanting to take three lives from all of you. I, I hope you will forgive that.

I've, I've also realized that, I don't wanna make this tragedy go… unheard, it's, it's not a one-sided story, and I've had…people wanting interviews from me, for a long time, and I've said no, it's…unless you're willing to do—have it be…with you guys, and me. Then, then it'd be a possibility. But, if it's just a one-sided story it's not fair. It's not fair for any of you. And with that I'd like you to, to think that, it's…I'm not saying that I…it doesn't take time. But, I think that the chance needs to be made because I haven't had the chance to be able to speak with you guys. For you guys to take, to…to be able to forgive me. Or to be able to forgive the situation. And to move past it. And to make it…uh, a learning experience for everyone. And to change it into something, that…it may not've…meant. If that made sense. And, that's, that's all.