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Damning information about driver in fatal hit-and-run

Lorraine's story today presents damning information against Grayson Dawson of Eden, the driver who authorities allege struck and killed bicyclist David Sherman on North Church Street Oct. 24.

First, she was still driving the same vehicle two days later -- even though her license is revoked, according to the charges against her. This bolsters the argument that her release on an unsecured bond of only $5,000 was a foolish mistake. If the experience of (allegedly) killing someone with her motor vehicle won't stop her from driving, how can anyone believe she won't continue to drive until she's kept behind bars?

Much worse, though, is the statement by an area shopkeeper that Dawson explained the damage to her vehicle, including a caved-in windshield, by saying she'd hit a deer.

A deer riding a bicycle? How could anyone mistake a cyclist for a deer? It's unbelievable.

Or did a man's life not mean any more to her than a deer's?

If, of course, it was Dawson whose reckless driving caused Sherman's death. That's for the courts to decide.

But this information surely will strengthen the case prosecutors can put to a jury.

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Posted by Doug Clark on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 8:29 am

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ItsASchwinn

November 4, 2009 - 10:54 am EST

I find it hard to believe the people charged with public safety and enforcing the law could see fit to allow a known criminal continued access to the public. I would like to know who cut this deal with her attorney and accepted the responsibility for this action. I would also like to know why there was no arrest when the police went to the home to seize the vehicle - There should have been an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in court on previous charges.
I guess the reality is this criminal will never be incarcerated and no one will ever take responsibility/penalty for this incident.

Doug

November 4, 2009 - 11:11 am EST

First, let's remember that this woman has not been convicted of the latest charges against her.

But if she is, I am absolutely certain she will get an active prison sentence.

Prosecutors should not make any deal.

ItsASchwinn

November 4, 2009 - 1:40 pm EST

I hope I'm wrong, but I think a suspended sentence with probation and mental health and drug/alcohol rehabilitation at most.

spa30

November 4, 2009 - 12:19 pm EST

I really hope that the law officials are investigating what Ms. Dawson was doing on the day she killed David Sherman. Why? It was HER BIRTHDAY. One wonders if she fled the scene to avoid a DWI. I am haunted by the fact that a person came flying up into her windshield..complete with a helmet, jersey covering torso and arms, cycling shorts covering legs and she thought she hit a DEER. COME ON. And, that she states she stopped and didn't see a deer, even though witnesses say she did sped away from the crime scene. I agree with ItsaSchwinn that given her prior issues and failure to appear in court that the $5k bail is laughable.

Mad Dog

November 4, 2009 - 12:24 pm EST

Doug-"Prosecutors should not make any deal."

I hope you are correct. In fact, mark your calendar and when the trial is over, please send me an email and tell me you told me so!

thevrewingtons

November 4, 2009 - 2:30 pm EST

I thope that the News and Record continues to report this story for not only the crime of hit and run but the low bond. It is an outrage that this women is out. How can anyone feel safe with her disregard for the traffic law and saftey. If this crime had been committed with a gun instead of a car do you think she would be out on a $5,000 bond?

drsasquatch

November 6, 2009 - 11:01 am EST

"Police were called to the school Wednesday about an assault. Police said Shiquan Jermaine Richardson, 17, assaulted two mentally handicapped students by punching one in the face and kicking the other in the leg. One student had visible facial injuries, but neither required transportation to the hospital, police said.

Richardson was taken to the Rockingham County jail and given a $30,000 bond. He has a court date scheduled for Monday."

OK , yes, what this kids did was reprehensible and totally deserved a $30,000 bond in my opinion. But Dawson KILLED someone and fled the scene and presumably would have remained unknown without the actions of attentive citizens. There needs to be some serious investigation into the $5000 bond issue.