CITY OF TONAWANDA, N.Y. — Family members of a man killed by a hit an run driver in the City of Tonawanda earlier this week came to a court appearance Friday of the man accused of taking their loved one's life.
"I needed to see who this was who destroyed my family," said Shawntina Johnson, following the appearance by Mark G. Whalen, 31, of Hamburg before Tonawanda City Court Judge Mark E. Saltarelli.
Johnson is the sister of Terrence Wyatt, 40, who died on Nov. 11. She traveled from North Carolina in order to join other members of the the victim's family as they begin their journey toward justice and healing.
The proceeding lasted only a few minutes, as the judge awaits a forensic report regarding Whalen's competency to assist in his own defense. Whalen remains in custody without bail.
According to police, Whalen was behind the wheel of a vehicle when it struck and killed Wyatt as he attempted to cross Delaware Street not far from his home.
It is further alleged that Whalen kept driving, then caused a rear-end collision before stealing that victim's car and fleeing again until causing another crash in North Tonawanda, all while driving without a license and possessing cocaine.
Whalen faces a litany of charges, including manslaughter.
"I'm angry, I'm sad, and I'm distraught, and I don't know what to tell the kids," said Kelly Polozzi, the mother of two of the six children Terrence Wyatt leaves behind. She says neither she nor they can understand why the most Whalen may face is 15 years in prison if he's convicted.
"He needs to be just be put away for creating so much havoc through different towns," Polozzi said.
"I want this dude locked up for the rest of his life," said Terrence Wyatt's widow Robin Wyatt. "Terrence was one of the most incredible men I've ever known and he was dedicated to helping so many people. I just want justice for him," she said.
Another of Wyatt's sisters, Vincentia Wyatt Johnson, was still in somewhat of a state of shock over the sudden and senseless loss of her brother.
"You could put a man on the moon, but my brother was not safe walking in his own neighborhood," she said, while fighting back tears.
Some family members say that for their own healing, they believe they'll have to eventually take a step that they know will take some time.
"I need to find in my heart a way to forgive this man," said Terrence Wyatt's sister, Yolanda. "I don't forgive him right now because I'm not at the point to forgive him."