Outrage Grows Over Lenient Sentence for Driver in Tragic Child Death

In a heartbreaking case that has ignited public outrage, a grieving family from Colorado is expressing their anger at a lenient sentence given to a woman who fatally struck their son while texting and driving. This incident highlights significant concerns regarding traffic laws and the treatment of distracted driving offenses.

The Stratton family is reeling from the loss of their 10-year-old son, Oliver, affectionately known as Ollie. In August 2023, their world shattered when Ollie was hit by a vehicle while crossing the street. According to reports, the driver, Amy Weiss, was sending text messages at an alarming frequency just moments before the tragedy occurred.

Clarissa Stratton explained the shocking details of that day. “She was texting while driving on that day that she killed our son,” she shared. “One text message nearly every 22 seconds for over a half hour on repeat.” This disturbing revelation has only fueled the family’s distress and outrage.

On that fateful day, Ollie was riding his bike around the neighborhood. As he started to cross the street, Weiss, who was identified as a local middle school teacher, crashed into him. Tragically, he later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

The legal repercussions of Weiss’s actions have left the Strattons feeling disillusioned. On March 7, 2025, she received a sentence for careless driving resulting in death and tampering with evidence. The punishment, a year in prison served concurrently with a 364-day sentence, is the maximum penalty permissible under Colorado law. This leniency has raised serious questions about the justice system’s handling of distracted driving cases.

Distracted Driving Defined as Careless Behavior

Clarissa expressed her dismay over the classification of Weiss’s actions. “In Colorado, because this was charged as a traffic misdemeanor, they classify texting and driving as careless behavior instead of reckless. Even though it is a purposeful choice, they put it in the same category as being distracted by the sun,” she said, highlighting the inadequate legal framework surrounding these offenses.

Further compounding the family’s grief, they reported that Weiss was given work release privileges, allowing her to leave the facility for work, religious services, and personal appointments. In an especially painful development, Weiss successfully petitioned the court to attend her daughter’s out-of-state graduation, which the Strattons believe undermines the seriousness of her actions.

Clarissa questioned the decision, saying, “Every important moment of my child’s life is over. And the judge didn’t want her to miss her daughter’s graduation. How is this justice? It just isn’t.” The stark contrast between the repercussions faced by the perpetrator and the enduring pain of the Strattons underscores a profound sense of injustice.

A Call for Legal Reform

In the aftermath of this tragedy, the Strattons have become vocal advocates for reforming traffic laws in Colorado. They actively participated in raising awareness about the dangers of texting and driving, and they even testified before the Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee in support of a bill aimed at increasing penalties for careless driving resulting in death.

Despite their lobby efforts leading to the removal of the proposed provision to elevate such offenses from misdemeanors to felonies, their determination remains unshaken. “Texting and driving is the new drinking and driving,” Clarissa declared passionately. “We have to stop pretending like nothing can be done.” Their commitment serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle for justice in the wake of a growing epidemic of distracted driving.

Honoring Ollie’s Legacy

The pain of losing their child has motivated the Strattons to establish Oliver’s Bike Parade, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing road safety through community education and legislative advocacy. This initiative aims to create a safer environment for children and others on the road, serving as both a memorial to Ollie and a platform for change.

As they navigate life without their beloved son, the couple reflects on what Ollie meant to them and the impact he had on others. Clarissa describes her son as “smart, funny, kind, energetic, enthusiastic, and really, really silly.” His father, Rod, recounted touching anecdotes from Ollie’s memorial service, recalling a fellow classmate who shared how Ollie offered to practice running with him so that he could improve after noticing he struggled during recess races.

Rod stated, “Ollie left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him,” illustrating the bright light he brought into the lives of those around him. The community, too, has felt the weight of this loss and rallied in support of the Strattons’ efforts.

The Struggle for Justice Continues

The Stratton family’s battle is not just about seeking justice for Ollie’s untimely death but also about ensuring that future tragedies can be prevented. They continue to advocate for stronger penalties for distracted driving, believing that change is essential to safeguard other children from suffering the same fate as their son.

As they move forward, the Strattons remain committed to honoring Ollie’s memory while fighting for a cause that could ultimately save lives. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the need for vigilant road safety measures and the critical importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions behind the wheel.

This tragic event has thrust the Strattons into the spotlight, shining a harsh light on the legal system that many feel is failing victims of distracted driving. Their ongoing fight for justice represents a broader movement advocating for change, urging the public and lawmakers to take notice of the devastating consequences of texting while driving.