The driver's son is named Mark, about 16 years old. He kept saying his father got drunk by accident, leading to the tragedy.

The officers shook their heads; without evidence, they’d have to release him in a few hours.

"Mark, I’m the mother of the little girl your father hit and killed. My name is Nicole Perez. Can I talk to you?"

Other officers wanted to stop me, but Officer Turner gestured for them to let me speak.

I had interacted with him many times, and he saw me as a pitiable but strong mother. I talked to Mark about Jolin, describing her lovely personality. Mark’s eyes started to fill...