Families of Victims of Impaired Drivers share unique perspective with law enforcement

NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) — Families whose loved ones were killed by people driving under the influence shared their perspective with law enforcement on Wednesday. One of their many goals is to change the system to prevent more tragedies.

“DUI destroys lives,” said Kristi Murrow.

That’s something Marissa Murrow’s family knows all too well. The 19-year-old was always top of her class and had many talents.

“She loved to sing,” said Murrow. “Then she would bust into a rap.”

She was beautiful, inside and out.

“She always loved to wear this bright red lipstick. I don’t know how she pulled that off but she did,” said Murrow.

On October 3, 2020, while driving along the Kilpatrick Turnpike, Marissa Murrow was hit head-on by Malcolm Penney who was driving drunk the wrong way.

The teen died three days later.

Now, her parents are fighting to prevent more tragedies.

“The way to stop it, is to stop it before someone dies. That means we have to handle the routine DUIs properly,” said Jeff Murrow.

While speaking to law enforcement, the Murrows laid out Penney’s criminal history, which included several DUIs and misdemeanors overlapping and in different states.

“Our system is not built to handle someone with charges in neighboring states,” said Jeff Murrow.

The Murrows weren’t alone. The room was filled with victims posters and their family members, all part of the group “Victims of Impaired Drivers.” They support eachother and sit with each family in court, while helping with the voids in their lives.

Stephanie Holmes is part of the group. Her father, Scott Dilbeck, was killed in 2019 while driving in Rogers County, when he was hit by Bradley Wofford.

“Wofford was high on meth at the time and struck him at 69 or 70 miles per hour,” said Holmes.

Holmes said it was Wofford’s 10th offense and he had several priors in other states.

“And every single one of them is viewed as the first time because states don’t communicate with each other,” said Holmes.

The Murrows said they don’t blame law enforcment, judges, or district attorney. Their fight lies with the system.

“Making sure that every single family gets the justice they deserve,” said Jeff Murrow.

“When we play our cards, we are playing to win,” said Kristi Murrow.

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