Friends and relatives of the three young boys who were struck by a motorist in Northwest Atlanta over the weekend called for justice as they gathered for a candlelight vigil at the site of the fatal crash Wednesday night.
Some wondered how and why the suspect in the case — Ryan Lisabeth, 28, of Canton — was on the road Friday when he allegedly plowed into the children near Joseph E. Boone Boulevard and Mayson Turner Road. They noted Lisabeth has an extensive criminal history involving DUI and drug charges.
Michelle Ward — whose 9-year-old son Isaiah was killed in the crash — said of Lisabeth: “I hope he goes to hell.” She was too overcome with emotion to say more.
Her family is now working with an attorney, who was present at the vigil. Isaiah’s older brother, 11-year-old Roland, has a broken pelvis from the crash, the attorney said. A third child, 12-year-old Timothy Hood, remains in the hospital, according to neighbors. His condition was unknown.
Lisabeth is now facing multiple charges, including vehicular homicide in the first degree, driving under the influence of heroin and possession of heroin, court records show. He was denied bond Monday. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution this week that his office is looking into whether Lisabeth should face a more severe charge.
Lisabeth’s father declined to comment about the case at his home in Canton Wednesday morning. And Lisabeth’s attorney could not be immediately reached for comment Wednesday evening. But she released a statement Monday, saying Lisabeth and his family are “deeply concerned for the families of those affected by the horrible car accident this past weekend in Atlanta. The statement continued: “Mr. Lisabeth and his family remain hopeful for the full recovery of the two boys that were injured in this tragic car accident.”
At the vigil, dozens of mourners gathered at the site of a makeshift memorial for the three children complete with stuffed animals, candles and photos of Isaiah. Isaiah’s aunt, Jennifer Toomer, said she wants Lisabeth to get life in prison with no chance of parole.
“Our hurt is never going to end,” she said. “Please Atlanta — Fulton County — please, please give him what he deserves – life.”
About the Author
