Suspect In Fatal Tulsa DUI Crash Waives Right To Hearing

A Green Country family has waited nine months to face the woman accused of a DUI crash that led to the death of John Holata.

Not only did he die, but also his wife still uses a wheelchair because she had a crushed pelvis, two broken hips, two broken legs and a broken heel.

What they hoped would happen in court today did not.

12/17/2016 Related Story: Driver Suspected Of DUI Causes 3-Vehicle Crash After Driving Wrong Way

Kasey Holata had the support of family and friends as they waited at the courthouse for the hearing to start.

But it never did.

Megan Hobbs, charged with manslaughter, DUI and other counts, decided to give up her right to her preliminary hearing and just move her case to the next step. 

John's family and friends had hoped Hobbs would have to hear testimony about the great loss they've suffered and the physical pain the victims have endured.

"It's been a very, very difficult process. At one point, you just have to become numb to it for a while," said Melissa Riley, a family friend.

No hearing, no testimony.

Hobbs is now looking at either going to trial or pleading guilty.

Troopers said she was driving the wrong way on Interstate 244 near downtown Tulsa on Dec. 17, 2016.

John initially survived but had to have surgery after surgery, and after complications from one of them, he died on Christmas morning.

"John was an amazing man. He meant a lot to a lot of people. His son Zakk has really taken this the hardest," Riley said.

Family members said John and Zakk were two peas in a pod and Zakk now feels lost.

John was also a well known musician and had just played a show, and he and Kasey were headed home when the crash happened, leaving devastation in its wake.

"Drinking and driving can change a lot. People don't think about it," Riley said.

Hobbs will be back in court next month and we will follow the case until it's over.