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Family of Chandler mom killed by red-light runner pushes for justice

Posted at 12:32 PM, Oct 27, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-28 18:38:46-04

The family of a Chandler mom who was killed by a red-light runner in a crosswalk nearly one year ago, hopes to present their case to the Attorney Generals Office to get his interpretation on the law and loophole that is keeping the suspect out of jail. 

Pamela Hesselbacher was killed when she and her two young children were crossing the sidewalk at Ray Road and College. The children, Ryan and Audrey suffered critical injuries but survived the crash. 

"Being connected with her is trying to make things right for her and for her kids," said Pamela's mom Jody Kieran. 

The driver, William Epperlein, was behind the wheel on a suspended license and has several DUI's.  

He was interviewed after the crash and said he believed a car was coming over in his lane. 

"All of a sudden, it was just, boom," said Epperlein. "She was just there."

But because his license was suspended and not revoked, the County Attorney says they would not prosecute Epperlein on felony charges. They also claim to have a lack of evidence. 

"There's no bringing Pam back, but maybe we can save somebody else," said Pamela's sister Kaleigh Kieran.

That's why Pam's mom and sister visited Attorney General Mark Brnovich's office, hoping to present their case and get answers. 

"We're not asking them to prosecute, we're asking for them to take a look at the statutes and tell us what they really mean," said Jody. 

"Giving up is not an option at this point," said Kaleigh. 

And as Pamela's kids heal and grow and ask about Mom, Grandma keeps the memory alive by reciting the poem she used to read to Pamela each night. 

"I love you more than apple sauce, than peaches in a plum, than chocolate hearts and candy tarts and berry bubble gum," recited Jody. "I love you more than make-believe and marmalade on toast. I love pies of any size but I love you the most."

The AG's office tells ABC15 they hope to put them in touch with the Victim's Rights Office. 

Time is limited to press felony charges, and if that fails, the family says they are determined to start a grassroots effort to change the law at the state capitol.