Letter: Questions about my friend’s fatal accident – Albert Lea Tribune

A good friend and colleague of mine was murdered in Oak Grove on October 5th. He was stopped at a red light on his motorcycle waiting to make a left turn. His name was Kelly Linder, and yes, he was wearing a helmet, which of course was a detail left out of the news reports. Kelly was a very attentive rider. I’ve ridden with him several times on bike rides and here and there.

The woman who hit him from behind reportedly admitted that she was on her cell phone, but then changed her story and told the police officer that the sun was in her eyes and that she had not seen Kelly.

This accident happened around noon, so the sun was directly in the sky. She also stated that her speedometer was broken, so she had no idea how fast she was going.

It turned out that this woman had just gotten a ticket two months ago for using her phone while driving. After the accident, she was allowed to go home with her father, who had arrived on the scene.

He happens to be a retired police officer.

My question is why was she allowed to go home? Shouldn’t she have gone to jail?

I’m pretty sure if I had been the driver I would be in jail right now. This woman must have her driver’s license revoked because it is contrary to public safety. She has to spend more than ten years in prison. She should also pay Kelly’s family at least the amount he would have earned for the rest of his working life!

If a drunk driver goes to jail because he could have killed someone, doesn’t it make sense that this woman, who drove irresponsibly while distracted because she was on the phone and killed an innocent man, should go to jail?

This woman was allowed to go home after the accident; Kelly, on the other hand, has to go to the morgue.

Rod Anderson
Albert Lea