Woman killed in head-on collision allegedly caused by 16-year-old, family calls for justice

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - A 17-year-old is facing charges following a crash that police say killed a Colorado Springs woman. The driver was 16 years old at the time. The crash occurred on Powers Boulevard, where police say the teenage driver, who allegedly held only a learner's permit, crossed into oncoming traffic.

Jennifer Hooper, a wife, mother and grandmother, died from injuries sustained in the incident. Her family has voiced profound devastation over the loss and the legal proceedings that have followed.

On Monday, KRDO13 spoke with Jennifer Hooper's family. Hooper's family believes a potential plea deal being offered by the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office is not justice.

KRDO13 obtained communications over the proposed deal, under consideration by the District Attorney's office, which would offer the driver two years of probation for careless driving causing death. Hooper's family describes the potential outcome as a significant insult, highlighting what they say is a lack of accountability and justice.

"Two years' probation is the biggest insult one could receive as a victim's family," said John Hooper.

Hooper was 51-years-old at the time; she leaves behind her husband, four children and five grandchildren, according to her family. Jennifer's widower, John Hooper, is now raising their children. The unexpected loss has forced him to handle all of the legal battles, leaving him with little time to grieve properly, he said.

"Just trying to maintain a household with no mom around. You know, that's my biggest sadness that my children have no mother. Completely unnecessary and completely needless and totally preventable. And it gives me pretty bad anxiety," said John Hooper.

Linda Gerwatowski, Jennifer Hooper's mother, says she has had to step into a maternal role for Jennifer's kids and grandkids. She says they should still have their mother around for all of their major milestones in life.

"Mason wants to go to the Air Force Academy. So we were watching the graduation. I said, Okay, Mason, that could be you, you know. But where is his Mom? I can't imagine what it's going to be like for him. You know, all these major events that kids go through," shared Jennifer's mother.

She says that whether you are 16 or 75 and take someone else's life while you're behind the wheel, you should be held accountable.

"Someone who kills someone, you don't give them two years' probation. You don't give them a slap on the hand," Linda Gerwatowski expressed her frustration.

She also noted the emotional toll on John, explaining how his lifelong partner is gone.

Jennifer Hooper was remembered by her family as selfless and dedicated to her children's upbringing.

"She lived for her kids, and that was her purpose. Just to take care of our children and, let them grow up to be the best they can. Completely selfless and all about everyone else except for herself," shared Jennifer's husband.

Her family says she worked for Domino's and was known for her exceptional service, and that she loved her job. Domino's even created a pin in her memory, reflecting how much she was loved by her customers and colleagues, Jennifer's mother shared.

Family members also question how the teen driver obtained the car keys, especially since there was no adult in the vehicle as required by a learner's permit. The driver is reportedly still driving, even with the potential probation, Gerwatowski said.

"It was one of the most devastating things we could ever hear to lose our daughter like this, and to leave a husband and three small kids at home," said Michael Gerwatowski previously.

Hooper noted the increased punishment for aggressive drivers under a new bill signed by Governor Polis, noting that more needs to change at the Capitol. The family hopes for more attention to ensure proper changes to the laws are made.

"It's not just about my family. Other families are going through a similar thing, and it's absolutely unfair. And more attention needs to be brought to, you know, make the proper changes and come up with proper laws to really punish these people that destroy families," explained Hooper.

The family is urging public outcry to the District Attorney's office, the governor, and the mayor's office.

John Hooper has asked anyone who witnessed the events leading up to the crash on Powers Boulevard and Platte Avenue on December 27 to contact the District Attorney's office or him directly to fight for proper justice. He stated that a lack of witnesses has been a potential issue for investigators.

If you would like to support the Hooper family, you can do so at this verified GoFundMe link.

KRDO13 reached out to the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office for comment, which provided the statement below.

Ethical standards 3.6 and 3.8 prevent our office from discussing facts of open cases – that restriction extends to details regarding plea agreement negotiations.

This is an extremely difficult case – both for the families involved as well as for our community members, and the law enforcement officers who responded to the scene and performed their investigation. And although there can be separate consequences for the parents of a minor who commits a crime, state law in Colorado does not provide an avenue to hold parents directly accountable, absent specific circumstances.

- A spokesperson for the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office

The next court hearing in this case is scheduled for July.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Powers Boulevard crash claims life of Colorado Springs woman; Family seeks support

KRDO13 also contacted the Colorado Public Defenders for comment on behalf of the teen. We did not hear back.

Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.