Family Seeks Answers In Woman's Death

One year ago Wednesday, a young pregnant woman was hit and killed by a suspected drunk driver. Yet, the case still hasn't gone to trial.

News On 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright reports Sandi Stephens and her fiancé were on their way home from a family get-together where they were saying good-bye to her brother, who was headed to Iraq.

The couple crashed, but, survived They climbed out of the wreckage and were walking for help, when police say a driver hit her, this time, she didn't survive.

Dewayne and Debbie Stephens don't find any solace at their daughter's grave, but it does warm their hearts to see all the flowers and gifts people leave here. It's a sign, that she's not been forgotten.

Sandi's family hasn't just been denied her presence for the past year, but they've also missed out on a granddaughter, Sandi was six months pregnant.

"You just try to cope day by day, put one foot in front of the other and some hours are okay and some are not so good," said Sandi's father, Dewayne Stephens.

Melvin Stanley has been charged with two counts of first degree manslaughter, drug possession and driving with a suspended license. He's pleaded not guilty and has a jury trial scheduled for September.

He bonded out immediately after his arrest and has remained out.

"It was extremely frustrating during the holidays, he gets to be out, spends the holidays with his family, gets to Christmas shop and do all of those things, we go shop for flowers," said Dewayne Stephens.

The Stephens' family says justice would mean the person who took their daughter and grandchild from them will be punished, but say they want a justice that's even bigger than that.

"I would like for him to be off the streets for the safety of other people. His track record proves this is not his first incident, not his first brush with the law. If he's left on the streets, it won't be his last. I want him off the streets," said Dewayne Stephens.

Stanley's attorney says Stanley feels terrible about the accident. He says Stanley's driving was not erratic, he didn't cross any lanes of traffic, but the shoulder where Sandi was walking was very narrow and it was pitch black out, since it was 2:30 a.m.