He Stopped His Wife From Driving Drunk. He was Charged With Her Manslaughter

Over 12,000 people die each year in alcohol-related crashes. Another 250,000 to 350,000 are seriously injured. Jason Todd knew the risks. He also knew that his wife, Tonya Anderson Todd, 35, and the mother of his three children, had drunk too much to get behind the wheel of her vehicle. Alcohol is the world’s biggest liar, however, and convinced the 35-year-old that she was fine; her husband was being a jerk. The two argued; he took the car keys from her hand and walked inside the restaurant. Moments later, Tonya headed down the road on foot. She was struck and killed by a vehicle. Police charged Todd with his wife’s death, claiming he threw her keys into the road, forcing her into the pathway of oncoming traffic.

She Stormed Off After an Argument

Jason and Tonya had enjoyed dinner, music, dancing, and drinks at Friendly’s Steakhouse in Clanton, Alabama. A few drinks in, something upset Tonya, and she wanted to go home. She got a little loud, so Jason walked her outside. The argument continued until she told him she would drive herself home. He knew his wife had too much to drink to get behind the wheel. When she insisted on driving, he snatched the keys out of her hands.

She became even more irate and shouted that she would walk home. Jason, tired of arguing, blew it off and walked back inside the restaurant to pay the tab. He expected his wife to stand in the parking lot and fume for a few minutes. She’d then calm down and return to the restaurant. But instead, she took off on foot down the road.

She crossed the street and walked a short distance. Then, she began shining a flashlight on the ground, pacing back and forth as if she were looking for something. She crossed the street, continuing to shine the light on the ground.

Tonya Struck by Car; Died From Injuries

Suddenly, a 2007 Dodge Charger struck Tonya, who wore dark clothing and was difficult to see. The driver did not stop the vehicle. She was transported to a hospital, where she died from her injuries.

Jason was devastated. He thought taking his wife’s keys would keep her safe. How could doing the right thing turn so wrong? Unfortunately, there was more to come.

A Shocking Arrest

The day after the accident, he visited the police station on his own free will. He hoped he could offer some assistance that would help catch the person who struck and killed his wife. Instead, police forced him to look at photos of his wife’s body and blamed him for her death.

By then, officers had viewed footage recorded from the restaurant parking lot and nearby businesses. They determined Jason had tossed Tonya’s keys into the road, and she was shining a light to look for them. He was arrested on manslaughter charges.

According to the arrest warrant, Jason’s actions (throwing the keys) led to his wife’s death.

It would be the same footage used to arrest Jason that helped him win an acquittal in court. The video never showed him throwing her keys or making any arm motions that indicated he did.

The driver of the vehicle was later identified as Carey Roger Glenn. He wasn’t charged with a crime. Speaking with officers, Glenn said he thought he had hit a deer, which he said was why he did not stop his car.

Opinion

I don’t understand the logic behind the arrest. He did exactly what any loving person would or should do in this situation: took away the car keys. It’s a tragedy that another vehicle struck Tonya and that she lost her life. However, charging a heartbroken husband who tried to keep his wife safe isn’t the solution. It’s just one reason why so many people say they do not trust the police.

Rest in peace, Ms. Anderson.