A man who is in jail for allegedly killing a 19-year-old while driving drunk is raising funds for the victim's family.
KABC reported Tyler Thompson, 26, killed Justin Romo, 19, when he drove the wrong way down the 210 Freeway on Aug. 9, 2014.
Thompson initially pleaded not guilty to the felony charge, but later on pleaded no contest and apologized to Romo's family in court.
"He said, 'I pray that I could change places and be the one gone,'" Tina Thompson, Tyler Thompson's mother told KABC.
"As we locked eyes, both of us were just hurting inside for our sons," Lupe Garcia, Justin Romo's mother told KABC.
"It was crazy, in this courtroom the judge was crying, the court reporter was crying," Tina Thompson said. "There was not a dry eye in that courtroom."
Garcia said she forgave Tyler Thompson: "I gave it to God, I said, 'Tyler Thompson is all yours,'" she said.
He was sentenced to 15 years in prison, according to KABC.
Now, Tyler Thompson is attempting to raise funds for Romo's family as a way to raise awareness about the dangers of driving drunk. A GoFundMe page has been set up by Tyler Thompson's brother, Alexander, and has raised over $1,000 of its $10,000 goal.
"Although this took place nearly two years ago, it's been on my brother's heart to do something for the family of the victims," Alexander Thompson said on the page. "So this account is to help them recover from any financial burden or hardships that may have resulted from this terrible situation."
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