After a year of grief, anger, and many unanswered questions, the families of the three I-83 deadly crash victims say they are finally getting justice.
The family of Jesse McKenzie, Phil Hinebaugh, and Robert Hampe say the charges filed against the man accused of hitting and killing them have been a long time coming. They say that after a year of waiting, they’re relieved to see justice being brought to the case.
The mother of McKenzie says the charges weren’t a complete surprise.
“A couple months ago they contacted me and said that there were charges going to be brought. But pretty much just found out yesterday that he was being charged today,”
Other family members, like the cousin of Robert Hampe, known as “Robbie,” to his family and friends, say they learned of the charges for the first time on Wednesday. While each family member is experiencing different emotions, from relief to anger, they all have one thing in common.
“We want justice. And we think he should face charges from this,” said Mckenzie’s mother.
We spoke to family members of all three victims. Each describe their loved ones as fun loving and hard working. Hampe’s cousin says that he worked two jobs for years up until his death.
McKenzie’s family says he worked hard to support his fiancée and two young children, while Hinebaugh was sadly killed during his first day on the job. His family explained that they’re hopeful for this tragedy to serve as a reminder to drive more safely in construction zones.
They say it’s been a long year of waiting for charges in this case, but they’re glad to see it finally happen.
“I wish it would’ve happened sooner But it’s a relief. Like we can move on and move forward with things,”