A family hopes that the sad losses of their loved ones will yield a favorable outcome.
On Oct. 15, a suspected intoxicated driver driving at high speeds murdered a mother and daughter in the 4300 block of East WT Harris Boulevard, according to police.
The close-knit family is currently mourning the deaths of their 74-year-old mother, Darlene Akbar, and sister, Aneesah Akbar.
“I feel like I have a hole in my heart from my mom and my sister that can never be replaced,” Tynetta Lindsay told me.
“We just miss them so much,” Kimberly Akbar explained.
It has been a trying month for the family. Their father, Imam Khalil Akbar, died of cancer. Since then, one of the seven daughters has always accompanied their mother.
Aneesah had taken their mother to see a doctor the day of the accident. They were on their way home when their automobile was struck.
“That day, she was like, ‘OK, you all don’t worry about it. I got Mom, and they were gone all day. Kimberly Akbar added, “And this happens three minutes from home.”
All of the sisters received lifelong lessons from their parents, which are currently helping them cope. Police arrested De’Ontrey Taylor, 25, and charged him with felony vehicular death and reckless driving. Investigators believe he was intoxicated.
The family encourages everyone not to drink and drive.
“We can’t replace my sister and mom. Lindsay stated, “Our family is broken.”
“We see this as an indication that there is still work to be done in the community. Khalidah Akbar stated that greater education is needed in the community about not drinking and driving.
Taylor is in jail on a $300,000 bond.
Taylor had never been in trouble before, but last year he received a citation for driving 87 mph in a 45 mph zone. He was offered a prayer for judgment, and the charges were dismissed.”She went back to school after having seven daughters and being married to my father since she was 17 and earning her nursing degree,” Khalidah Akbar told me.