Press Release: Grieving Daughter Voices Concern After Sentencing in Hit-and-Run Case
OKLAHOMA CITY — A grieving daughter expressed her heartbreak and frustration on Wednesday following the sentencing of Tyler Jenicek, who was found guilty of killing her mother in a hit-and-run incident four years ago. Lee Anna Pannell described the pursuit of justice for her mother, 49-year-old Percilla Cheadle, as an "uphill battle," fearing that Jenicek may remain a threat to the community even after serving his prison term.
During Tuesday’s sentencing hearing, Jenicek, 30, received a six-year prison sentence for manslaughter, although he may serve only a portion due to the nature of the crime, referred to as an 85-percent offense. “For five years, for five-point-one years doing 85 percent, that’s not justice,” Pannell lamented, questioning the adequacy of the punishment for taking a life.
Pannell recounted how Jenicek, who was allegedly speeding at 80 mph in a 40 mph zone, fled the scene after striking her mother near North Rockwell Avenue and Melrose Lane. “What about stopping and trying to help this lady?” she demanded. “Or pull your truck over so cars can stop running over my momma?”
Jenicek’s troubled history includes prior charges for assault, DUI, and eluding police, which further complicates the family’s quest for closure. Following his prison term, he will be on probation for 15 years, a provision that offers little solace to Cheadle’s family, who remain deeply dissatisfied with the legal outcome.
Pannell hopes to raise awareness about the dangers of reckless driving and calls for stronger accountability for offenders. “On behalf of my family, we are absolutely not OK with that offering," she stated, underscoring the ongoing pain of losing her mother tragically and senselessly.
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