DE PERE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Tara Heath has lived two lives in one lifetime. One life before February 29th, and the one she lives now.
“I’m not a mother anymore,” Heath tells FOX 11.
“I’ll always be a mother to an angel but when I wake up and my house is quiet and I don’t have to make breakfast for anyone, that’s what gets me down.”
Her 5-year-old son Christian died on February 29th, when he was hit by a truck.
The man behind the wheel, Tara’s ex-boyfriend Matthew Georgia, has been charged with homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle.
Now the purpose of Tara’s second life is to get justice for Christian.
”He was so kind and courteous and willing to do anything for anyone. He was my best friend. He knew when I needed a hug, he was always right by my side. I’ve gotten messages from women in Africa, in Australia, in South America, in Canada, of everyone reaching out saying your story has reached my city and our deepest condolences go out to you and we hope justice is served for your baby boy.”
The criminal complaint says Georgia became upset with Heath after another man texted her phone while they were in the car together.
“He said I don’t want to be with you and I said good, please feel that way forever,” Heath said. “We’ve been on and off again for the past year and I could never leave.”
Later, when Georgia dropped Heath off, the complaint says Georgia’s truck ran over Christian when Georgia tried to back out of the home’s driveway.
FOX 11 reached out to Georgia’s attorney. He didn’t want to speak while the case was ongoing. However, he wrote in a statement that his client has received death threats:
This is a terrible accident that resulted in the death of a bright, cheerful, gentle and gifted child. Not a day goes by that my client does not reflect on the accident or think about Tara and Christian. He is heartbroken.It is unfortunate the State has chosen to file a criminal charge in this case. In my 25 years of experience handling cases throughout Northeastern Wisconsin, these accidents are rarely charged, as all parties are grieving over the loss of a child. Especially where the defendant has no previous criminal charges…ever. Attempting to obtain a criminal conviction and penalties, including prison for what was an accident, will not bring this child back.We are also disappointed that the State, when filing the criminal charge, purposely held back significant details. Unfortunately, I am ethically prohibited from discussing the alleged facts of the case while the case is ongoing. The public will have to wait until these details become available during the normal course of litigation. My client is disappointed his side of the accident was not properly conveyed in the criminal complaint.Unfortunately, by holding back this information, coupled with several highly emotional social media postings, some people have pre-judged this case which has resulted in verbal threats, including death threats against my client and others.We do not intend to litigate this matter in traditional media outlets or social media. Our hope is your viewers and all interested people wait to hear all of the facts, before they pass judgment on this case.We will continue to pray for Tara, Christian and all of their family and friends affected by this terrible loss.
“We’re fighting for justice, I won’t be silent, like the DA told me, we don’t really recommend you going on the news and I was like for what?” Heath said.
“My son is gone, he doesn’t have a voice anymore, why would I be silent about something so huge?”
Matthew Georgia’s next court appearance is scheduled for today.
If convicted, he faces up to a 10 year prison sentence.
