Andrea Thompson, daughter of Janet Hicks Ellis, was killed in a car accident involving a drunk driver. This page outlines the family's request for letters to be sent to the presiding judge before an upcoming trial on August 7th. If you feel inclined to help out, please do so.... more information below.

This is to keep everyone up to date on what's going on with Andrea's case. The trial is set for August 7th. As you may or may not know we have been trying to get everyone to help by writing a letter to the judge. These letters are read by the judge before sentencing. The are also read by any future parole board. Your letters are a huge help, not only for the sentencing and stopping the possibility of parole, but also in consoling the family. We can't tell you how touched we have been by the letters that have already been sent. They have really helped.

Many people have asked if there is anything they can do to help. This truly is the biggest help you could give.

We have received many letters--one is enclosed with case and court no. information. The letters are all different. They range from talking about Andrea and all the things they remember to how they have watched the family suffer to where they stand on drunk driving and others are about how they would feel if it happened to someone in their family.

I just wanted to let everyone know that even if you only knew Andrea through a friend or family member you can still write a letter. There is no such thing as a bad letter.

Thank you for your time and your kind consideration...

Sincerely,

Janet (Hicks) Ellis, Jer'Leigh Thompson, James Ellis, Norman and Margaret Hicks

Please write or email to JamezNJan@aol.com
or Susan Bragg@MADD-Metroplex.org
Susan Bragg, MA Director of Victim Services,
1341 W Mockingbird Lane, #240 West, Dallas, TX 75247
fax #214-637-0374

If you have already sent a letter, our deepest thanks goes out to you.

RE: Andrea Thompson Deceased, State of TX vs. Jose Ortiz, Case No. F9953252-Q

The Honorable Mark Nancarrow, District Judge, 204th Judicial District, 204th Judicial District Court, 133 N. Industrial Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207

Dear Judge Nancarrow,

I am writing in memory of a well-loved friend, Andrea Thompson. I had the privilege of knowing Andrea for the last five years. My observation about her is that I have never met a young woman whose outer beauty, as magnificent as it was, so paled in comparison to her inner love and light!

You couldn't help but love Andrea. And trust me, not many women met her with that intention. Her physical beauty was so intimidating, I feel certain that many new friends approached her with the same trepidation (read jealousy) that I did. That lasted for about two seconds after she engaged you with the most genuine and vibrant personae you had ever met. She was exactly what she appeared to be, perfection in the form of a loving daughter and friend.

I think my favorite thing about Andrea was her honesty. I would see her somewhere, looking transcendent with her golden blond hair and long l-o-n-g legs, always talking about what she could do for someone else. And when I'd greet her, she'd inevitably say, "Wow, Betsy, you look so great. Your trainer must really be working you out, cause it's paying off!" And I'd think, huh, I guess that cheeseburger and banana shake I had earlier with a side of bacon didin't do me any damage. I would be standing there next to this goddess, and she would spend the whole time trying to make me feel better about myself. Andrea had a remarkable ability to identify someone's insecurity and just take it away. As far as Andrea was concerned, everyone was beautiful.

I am not asking for revenge against Mr. Ortiz. I can't help but think that when he finally sees the photos of Andrea and hears the testimony regarding her life, he will suffer. With that in mind, however, I would very much like to make sure that he will not have the opportunity to deprive this world of another angel.

Oliver Wendell Holmes said it was not the Court's job to do justice, rather the Court was there to apply the law. Fortunately in your position, you will have the opportunity to do both. Please make Mr. Ortiz understand the enormity of his offense.

Sincerely

Elizabeth Parmer, Managing Attorney

ANOTHER SAMPLE LETTER:

11/14/99

To: Susan Bragg, Director of Victim Services, M.A.D.D.

It is very difficult to put into words the tremendous impact that the loss of such a loving and beautiful person as Andrea has made in the world that she left behind. Andrea walked this earth sharing her gift of love in such a soft and gracious manner. She gave her love unconditionally and without judging. Her spirit was as close to pure love as a human can be. I can almost hear her saying of the man that killed her, "we must forgive him." That was our Andrea! So sad that someone who cared and thought of others so often should have her life snuffed out, in an instant, by someone who obviously had little thought and concern for those around him.

May the loss of Andrea's precious life be a reminder of how, in one reckless instant, the misuse of alcohol can cause such far reaching pain. The kind of sadness that is felt in the aftermath of this tragedy is incomprehensible. May the remembrance of Andrea's loving ways and sweet spirit be comfort to us all.

Written with Love for Andrea,

Julie Holmes, True Friend