New Details in Lake Co. Hit and Run
We have new details surrounding a fatal hit and run incident in Lake County. According to officers, exactly one week ago, Jodie Henson, from Dyersburg, hit and killed a Ridgely man with her car. Now, the family of the victim, Ronnie “Bo” Gardner, is speaking out. Family members tell us Gardner was just getting a ride home from Henson, a friend’s girlfriend, Wednesday morning, when a series of unforgettable events happened. Keith Gardner, the victim’s son, says, “Why did she leave my daddy on the side of the road?” For Keith’s 31st birthday, he says he just wants questions answered, like how did Henson, 43, end up hitting, killing, and then leaving his father to die on the side of Hoecake Road. Keith, adds, “I wouldn’t do a dog that way. I don’t think a dog deserves to be done that way.” According to the TBI, before the hit and run, Henson drove into the yard of another Ridgely resident, hitting their fence and basketball pole. Keith says his father was in that car. “In my personal opinion, I believe my dad was wanting to get out of the vehicle, ” says Keith. But it was not until Henson got to Hoecake Road, family members, say, that they believe their father got a chance to get out of her car. Keith, says, “Maybe he got out and she through he was a witness to it. I don’t know why she had to do what she did.” The fatality report indicates Henson was involved with drugs and alcohol that early Wednesday morning. Kimberley Butler, a resident, says, “It is very traumatic, very sad for the family.” With no one else in the car when it happened, according to the THP, only Henson was charged with vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident with injury. Keith, adds, “I just want that woman to know that she took someone that was very loved.” Ronnie Gardner is loved by his four children, mother, who he took care of, and three grand babies; all who will now have to spend their birthday’s without him. Henson will have her preliminary hearing Thursday. Now, as to a prior record, well, we did find out last year Henson was charged with domestic assault. However, that case was dismissed after she paid court costs.
