VERO BEACH, Fla. — A jury’s decision in a wrongful death civil case brought by the widow of a car crash victim unveiled the stark realities surrounding the tragic event that took place in May 2022. Frances Ingraham sought damages from driver Elizabeth Jewkes-Danielsen, but the outcome largely fell on the behavior of her husband, Paul Danielsen, a resident of Orchid with a considerable financial background.
Ultimately, the jury ruled against Jewkes-Danielsen, delivering a $29 million verdict, but the repercussions may extend beyond the financial realm. Jewkes-Danielsen, 63, a retired special needs teacher, faces serious legal challenges as she awaits sentencing on criminal charges associated with the fatal crash that killed Christopher Ingraham and injured his wife.
Jewkes-Danielsen claims she lacks significant financial resources, stating that her assets are depleted after covering nearly three years of legal fees. Currently residing on a Social Security benefit of $1,133 a month, she would take over 2,100 years to settle the awarded amount entirely, should she rely solely on this income.
Details about her personal life reveal a challenging narrative. Following her divorce from her first husband, her share of their home sale was dedicated to their children’s college education. She moved to Florida around six years ago and worked as a sales associate at a local clothing store, striving to support herself financially, especially given the terms of a prenuptial agreement with Paul Danielsen that did not provide for her.
During the trial, Jewkes-Danielsen expressed dissatisfaction with her marriage, noting that her husband did not support her financially, even declining to pay her bail after her arrest. Presently, she possesses no vehicle and relies solely on a bicycle for transportation, underscoring her claimed financial hardship.
In the separate criminal proceedings stemming from the same crash, Jewkes-Danielsen has pleaded guilty to felony vehicular homicide and is set to finalize her pleas to additional DUI charges related to Ingraham’s death and injuries. The sentences for these convictions could carry a cumulative maximum of 35 years if served consecutively.
During the punitive phase of the civil trial, witnesses provided insights into Jewkes-Danielsen’s situation. Her defense attorney mentioned that the sentencing guidelines suggest approximately 14 years in prison for a first-time offender, but the final judgment lies with Circuit Judge Robert Meadows.
Jewkes-Danielsen’s demeanor throughout the trial was contemplative, at times appearing detached from the courtroom proceedings. However, as the trial neared its outcome, she sought to reach the jury on a personal level, sharing hopeful aspirations for her time in custody, including pursuing higher education and potentially teaching fellow inmates.
When questioned about her remorse for the incident, Jewkes-Danielsen became emotional discussing her family, particularly her two adult children. The impact of her impending prison sentence on their lives seemed to resonate deeply, inducing tears as she reflected on the reality of the consequences stemming from her actions.
This case highlights not only the tragic loss faced by the Ingraham family but also the complex legal and emotional issues surrounding incidents involving impaired driving.
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