Family calls for justice after crash

GLOUCESTER, Va. (WAVY) - A Gloucester family says 40-year-old Jeremy Hedrick is a danger to the community and they want to know why he is allowed to walk free.

Hedrick has a history of drug abuse and is accused of killing 46-year-old Troy Durham and injuring his 14-year -old daughter while driving under the influence Oct. 27.

Montana Durham was crazy about her father. The two loved hunting, fishing and trucks. Troy Durham was killed while driving down Route 17 in Gloucester at approximately 5 p.m.

The front and back of Montana's neck were sliced, leaving her left side paralyzed.

Michele Durham, Troy's wife and Montana's daughter, told WAVY.com a nurse had wheeled Montana into Troy's hospital room to say goodbye to her father.

"She said, 'Hi daddy, I love you,' and she cried so I know she'll remember it later," Michelle Durham said.

Hedrick was arrested four days after the accident and charged with manslaughter. A police report shows he had cocaine, heroin and marijuana in his blood.

Bond was set at $10,000 but Hedrick was set free when he posted $1,000 bond, infuriating Troy and Montana's relatives.

"So where is the justice in that?" Shannon Williams said.

The Commonwealth's Attorney agreed quickly, filing a motion to revoke bond. Paperwork filed in court cited Hedrick admitted to hospital personnel that he drank alcohol and smoked pot that day.

10 On Your Side also found four other drug charges in the past four years for Hedrick; three in Gloucester had been dismissed. He pleaded guilty to a heroin charge in Newport News and got probation and community service.

That was considered a first offense and has been wiped from his record.

WAVY.com spoke with Hedrick on the phone and he did not try to hide his past, but said on Oct. 27 he was sober.

He said the drugs in his blood were from past use. He claims he was tired from work and fell asleep. To the Durham family he said he is "highly sorry."