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related links
About the car crash on February 11, 2004
In memory of Carol Lynn Wilder-Enge
A Tribute to Carol / Dallas Arts Revue
Carol's artwork
Carol and Charlotte's public art project.
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charlotte's recovery
UPDATE: November 2005 I am happy to report that Larry and I are enjoying working of several public art projects..so
I am slowly adding "work" to my list of accomplishments. (But it sometimes seems like little else gets done!) I
continue to fatigue easily and sleep 10-12 hours a day. Pain is still an issue, but I am hopeful that osteopathic manipulative
treatment will help that in addition to continued physical therapy (Pilates)...for which I am awaiting funding. I am also
battling an infection related to my hernia surgery (seatbelt injury) and at some point will need additional surgery. Recovery
is a long road. .....but life is good! ..........................................................................
Dear friends and family,
I am finally attempting to write this long over due update. I apologize for not being better about staying in touch. Many
of you have written and asked how I am and I have not been able to reply. My energy level is still unreliable...and so my
ability to stay on top of things suffers. I am still learning what my new "normal" is..but that also continues to change.
All that to say...know that every card or email or gift I have received has meant so much to me and has reminded me of
how I am encircled by your love and support and how I have been carried through this whole ordeal. Time after time, your caring
gestures have come at just the perfect moment...right when I have needed them the most. I am always touched and wish so much
I could reach out and touch you back. Just know, even if you have not heard from me...your all of your thoughts and actions
are treasured.
There are many of you that are friends from college and before that I haven't spoke to in years..but you wrote (or visited
when I was unconscious!). I only wish I had the energy to reply more personally to each of you and hopefully, eventually
I will. Honestly, I have always preferred one on one...so writing a "newsletter" like this is a bit odd for me...and at times,
the thought of writing it...figuring out what to say..has been a bit overwhelming...so much has happened!
WORK
Larry and I have been overseeing installation of the public art project Carol and I designed for the new DEX (Dallas Executive
Airport, aka: Redbird) terminal. The terrazzo floor has been poured..but we have not seen it since the grinding and it won't
be much to see until it is polished. They are still hoping to open the building before the end of the year. I am able to go
to meetings or site visits, but usually that is all I can mange in a day and then I sleep the following day.
(click here to view DEX design)
Larry and I have also formed an artistic partnership for doing public art! We have been selected as design artists on 2 new
DART light stations in Carrollton. We are also considering (or are under consideration for) 2 projects in Frisco, one in Dallas
and one in Oak Cliff. It is all very exciting...and our hope is that we are able to get the timing of everything to work for
us. Luckily....these type projects are often a drawn out process. So much of the work will stretch into next year, giving
me more time to heal and gain stamina.
Some of you have inquired about my finances. My savings and gifts from friends followed by money from the uninsured motorist
portion of the our auto insurance policies is what I have been living on. EASL (Emergency Artist Support League) Grants have
helped with medical bills. DARS (Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services) has been funding my rehab. I still hope
to apply for Crime Victims Compensation...for lost wages, but being self employed complicates this process. As the public
art projects start to pay, I will begin to have income again. It has worked out thus far and I trust that God will provide
and give me the strength for what lies ahead.
(click here for EASL)
TRAVEL
In April, Young Audiences (an arts/education nonprofit I have worked with for years) sent me to Arizona to receive a national
award. Larry accompanied me...and made the trip possible for me. (did you know at DFW they will wheel you from the curb to
the gate..and wheelchairs get the fast lane through security!!) It was a welcome break from the routine of therapy and the
new stimulation was refreshing. Plus.....traveling itself was an accomplishment and a milestone.
(click here for Young Audiences)
PHYSICAL
For those of you who are catching up...I started with Physical Therapy at Zale after my spinal surgery. At first, I could
not even feel my feet and they taught me to walk, climb stairs and manage with a walker. This was followed by time at Pate
Rehab, for PT and Cognitive Therapy (related to my brain injury). I left there using a cane and moved home after being away
for almost three months. I slept on a twin bed in my kitchen until December when I was finally strong enough to climb the
stairs to my bedroom. Last summer I was at BIR (Baylor) and finished up at the Landry Center with Pilates based PT in the
spring of this year. In October 2004...I had surgery to repair a tear (a hernia) in my abdominal wall. I have just recently
developed an infection related to that surgery. This has slowed me down, I am sleeping more and my pain and fatigue levels
have increased. I have finally been to see an osteopath to receive treatment for my sciatica and am hoping to get funding
soon for more Pillates with a new physical therapist. I have tired pain killers and a nerve pain drug...but both affected
my quality of life, thus canceling out any benefit. Because of the success of the Pilates based therapy at the Landry Center,
I feel confident that more Pilates will build stamina and help with both the pain and fatigue. I will eventually need another
surgery to replace mesh used to repair my hernia, but for now, the surgeon feels comfortable waiting.
VISION
Most of you know that I suffered a brain injury that resulted in a "field cut" in the lower right quadrant of
my vision. The specialist I saw last summer felt it had improved since I was tested in the hospital, however, the damage is
permanent and any continued change is not expected. The biggest hope is "compensation." Simply getting used to the
new way of seeing. I have been able to make jewelry and art (involving carving with an xacto knife). But my reading is slower.
I realize now how much we read by scanning and that our mind picks up clues and fills in the gaps. Because of my field cut...I
see less of the clues, so I have to slow down or I misread (which at times, can be quite humorous). If I am tired..it makes
it worse! I am very grateful for the vision I have and believe that as time passes, it will become easier to live with.
DRIVING
I passed Baylor's driving evaluation in the spring and finally replaced my 91 civic with an 04 Toyota matix. (so I have
a civic for sale!). But with my vision and pain issues, driving is very fatiguing. I am looking forward to cooler weather
to venture out more and build my endurance for driving. Because of my field cut...I have to be extra aware of my surroundings.
I am having to learn all over again the part of driving that had become so second nature.
FOCUS AND CONCENTRATION
One of the common effects of a brain injury is issues with distraction. As I return more to my normal life, I am more
aware of this issue. I have always been a divergent thinker..off on some rabbit trail. But now it is like I go down them with
blinders on! And little things...like trying to talk to someone in a car with the radio on...can be frustrating. It is not
a big issue..but combined with my lack of stamina and my vision ... they all feed into one another.
I guess the best way to summarize all of this is to say....I am good and life is wonderful in spite of everything. The
treasures that come out of the tragedy continue to amaze me. Yet recovery is a long process with ups and downs...so your support
and prayers are still greatly appreciated. I am determined to continue to get my life back and knowing your love surrounds
me and supports me gives me strength and courage to do so.
All my love,
Charlotte
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trial updates
February 2 ~ GUILTY VERDICT!!
The jury deliberated a little over an hour today after the defense had Estevan
Sosa testify on his own behalf. Sosa admitted to having been drinking beers from 2-6 or 7pm at the used car lot where he worked
(not far from the crash). He claims there was a box or bag in the road which caused him to swerve. He said that when his tire
hit the curb, he hit his head and doesn't remember anything from that point until about 2am. (doesn't remember crossing the
median, hitting Carol's car....talking to police, witnesses or medical personnel.)
In closing arguments, the defense attorney continued to maintain that this was an unfortunate accident, but it was
not the result of alcohol. He tried to discredit the field sobriety test done by a trained officer and questioned the reliability
of the blood alcohol test.
But the jury didn't buy it. It was obvious to us that Sosa lied about how
much he had to drink. His blood alcohol was .12 at about 11pm when the blood was drawn. The legal limit is .08 and the crash
happened about 9:30pm. (So his count could have been even higher at the time of the crash.) Also...several witnesses testified
they smelled alcohol on his breath...one even said his body smelled of it.
Sosa was found guilty of Intoxication Manslaughter and Intoxication Assault.
Tomorrow, court will begin at 9:30am with the punishment phase. Sosa's attorney is likely to put on character witnesses.
Larry and Charlotte will testify to the loss and affects of the crash. Our hope is that we are able to communicate clearly
all that the jury needs to know. It is important that they fully grasp the severity of the loss and Charlotte's injuries.
The jury will deliberate sentencing. The prosecutor will be asking for the maximum 20 years for manslaughter and 10 for assault.
After sentencing we will read our Victim's Impact Statements.
We are
thrilled with the verdict and are trusting that justice will be served through the sentencing. ===========================================
February 1 ~ The trial went
well today. The prosecution finished presenting their case (all their witnesses). Both Larry and Charlotte testified. The
prosecutor felt it went well. He said the defense attorney was trying to poke holes and took us down some "rabbit trails"
but he didn't have anything of real substance. He made some attempts to discredit minor aspects of some of the witnesses'
testimony and tried to cast doubt on the reliability of the blood alcohol test.
Tomorrow (2/2) the defense will present their case.
The prosecutor speculates it will be short. That will be followed by closing arguments and then the jury will deliberate.
If they reach a guilty verdict, they may begin the sentencing phase of the trial tomorrow. (In which we will both testify
again.) Otherwise that will take place on Friday followed by the jury's deliberation, sentencing and then our victim's impact
statements.
This is all the best guess for the timing of the trial.
The prosecutor continues to caution us that anything can happen.
We are well...thank you for your love and support! ................................................................................................................... 1/31/06: JURY
SELECTION WAS SUCCESSFUL!
Testimony will begin Wednesday, February 1 at 9:30am sharp. See messages
below for location, etc. ................................................................................................................... 1/30/06: They were unable to pick a jury today, so jury selection will resume at 8am Tues. 1/31.
Our testimony will MOST LIKELY be:
- Wed. 2/1 (testifying for the prosecution) - Fri. 2/3 (testifying during sentencing
and victim's impact statements)
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1/30 what happened today at jury selection: The goal is to have a jury pool of 32 out of 75 interviewed. The 32 are jurors and alternates.
A jury is supposed to start at a neutral position, so potential jurors were asked if they would be willing to consider probation
as punishment for this type of offense. They were unable to find 32 out of the 75 who would agree to this, so they are starting
over with a new group tomorrow.
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- All of the information listed below is
correct...ONLY the dates have changed.
- I will post
new information (changes in anticipated schedule, etc.) here
when we receive it.
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TRIAL HAS BEEN DELAYED
9/29/2005:
we received word from prosecutor Fred Burns that the defense attorney had filed a continuance because one of his witnesses
is not available. Our case had what is called a "special setting" and was expected to go to trial this time, so the delay
is a big surprise. The defense attorney requested it be delayed until mid November. We will post more when we know more.
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trial information
Dear Family and Friends
We have so appreciated your love and support over the last year and half that has passed since February 11, 2004 when
Carol Wilder-Enge lost her life and Charlotte Lindsey was critically injured. Many of you have inquired about the trial of
Esteban Sosa, the man charged with Intoxication Manslaughter and Intoxication Assault. The purpose of this letter is to update
you on the trial and other related matters. A trial date has been set and all indications are that it won't be delayed again.
Here are the details:
October 3: we (Charlotte Lindsey, Trevor Jennings and Larry Enge) will meet with the prosecutor, ADA Fred Burns.
October 4: Jury selection
October 5: Trial begins, opening statements @ 9am.
Judge Lana McDanniel
203rd Judicial District Court,
7th floor, Frank Crowley Courts Building
113 N. Industrial
(parking buiding is on north side of building, max
$5)
Anyone who wishes to attend or come to support us is welcome. You do not have to attend the entire trial or an entire
day. (Our friends and family are asked to sit on the right, as you enter from the back of the courtroom.) There will be times
when we will be resting in the victim's waiting room (upstairs from the courtroom on the 10th floor) and you can wait with
us there. Charlotte won't physically be able to sit through everything and there may be portions of the trial, the coroner's
testimony in particular, that we choose to not attend.
We will also probably spend our lunch break there. The waiting room has secured access, so you will have to buzz the attendant
and tell her you are family of Larry and I.
The trial is expected to last one week. The prosecutor thinks we will probably be finish on October 7, but there is a
slight chance it could go into the following week.
Larry and Charlotte will be testifying in:
- the guilt/innocence phase
- the sentencing phase (assuming he is found guilty)
- and will read victim's impact statements
(addressing the defendant) after sentencing.
At this point, the defendant has entered a plea of not guilty. The prosecutor told us this is more or less a formality
and the defendant's team could at any time before the trial begins enter a plea of guilty and throw themselves on the mercy
of the court. Beginning with a "not guilty" plea forces the trial to proceed and gives them the chance to capitalize on any
mistakes or loopholes.
SENTENCING:
The jury will be setting the sentence:
- Intoxication Manslaughter carries a possible
sentencing of 2 to 20 years penitentiary time
- Intoxication Assault carries a possible 2 to 10 years.
Probation can be set for up to 10 years for each charge as an alternative to prison time or in addition to prison time.
The judge will determine if the sentences are served concurrently or sequentially.
From the information given us, we learned that probation is a viable option. Its effectiveness depends on the judge presiding
the case. Judge McDaniels has a reputation for being fair but tough. She is no nonsense and is protective of the victims
during court proceedings. Probation can be so structured as to impact the person significantly during the probation period.
There are many rules and requirements that the judge can impose on him as well as some restitution paid to the victims and
required community service. His ability to drive will be determined by the judge. Electronic monitoring devices can also
be required. Additionally, any violation of probation can result in him serving the full prison sentence without credit for
probation time served. Probation also carries a mandatory 120 to 180 days jail sentence and any jail time already served does
not count towards this. (This is different from penitentiary or prison time.)
The defending attorney is known to be fair and not prone to "tricks" but he is sharp and will be looking for ways to reverse
any guilty sentence through appeals after the trial. We were told that because of this reality, the guilt/innocence phase
of testimony and court proceeding is a very sensitive phase and care should be taken by the prosecuting team not to overstate
the case or make obvious attempts to influence or manipulate the jury or judge. The objective will be to simply present the
facts of the case as objectively and without emotion as possible. No disturbances or outbursts or anything that the defense
team can later use in an appeal.
The ADA has indicated that the presence of friends and relatives in the court room during any of the proceedings except
jury selection would enhance our case. Your presence would communicate to the jury in an acceptable way how much this event
as affected our community. Court proceedings begin at 9:00 am and end at 5pm. There will be a small break in the morning
and in the afternoon and a lunch break. It is okay to quietly come in and out as you need to and stay as long or as short
as you need. Susan Bragg from MADD will also be attending the trial and can answer any questions if we are not available to
do so.
We were warned that no matter how prepared we may be, it will be an emotional week. So we would appreciate your prayers
for our strength. Our hope for the trial is that we will get a good jury so that justice can be served. Also, that the sentence
will be appropriate for Sosa; individually effective in helping him rehabilitate as well as a deterrent for others who are
tempted to drink and drive.
We appreciate your care and support,
Charlotte and Larry
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