By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
A benefit dinner will be next week to honor an Elk City teen killed last fall in a traffic collision just east of Yukon.
Family and friends of Lacey Jo Martin invite everyone to a spaghetti dinner at 6 p.m. Friday, March 18 at the Elks Inn, 101 Meadow Ridge Drive in Elk City. Admission is $10 per person for dinner, and raffle prizes will be awarded.
Proceeds will benefit Lacey’s family, which is raising funds to buy her headstone.
Lacey was 16 when she died Nov. 10, 2021, from injuries sustained in a three-vehicle crash on Oct. 29 at State Highway 66 and Sara Road near the Kilpatrick Turnpike. Several other people were seriously injured.
Yukon’s Cassandra Ann Bray, 40, has been charged in Canadian County District Court with first-degree manslaughter and driving under the influence resulting in great bodily injury.
Oklahoma City Police investigated the collision, finding Bray was allegedly driving at excessive speeds while under the influence of alcohol.
Elk City businesses have shown their support for Lacey Jo’s family by donating gift cards and other items, according to her mother Stacy Grizzell.
“They have let Lacey know she is loved and thought of and never will be forgotten,” Grizzell said.
‘NEEDS TO DO HER TIME’
Lacey’s mother continues to “spread the word” to other motorists about not getting behind the wheel while intoxicated – instead calling a taxi or ride-share service.
“Don’t drink and drive, no matter what,” Grizzell said. “As Lacey’s mother, I will say I believe Cassandra Bray needs to do her time, at least 10 to 15 years in prison. Not forever, but a good amount of time.
“You took my baby girl away from us forever. Cassandra should have to financially have all the burden of all the medical bills, funeral bills and headstone.”
First-degree manslaughter is punishable by not less than four years in state prison.
DUI resulting in great bodily injury is punishable by four to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $5,000.
The Facebook page “Justice4LaceyJo” was started to honor Lacey’s memory while helping cover funeral costs.
“Her story isn’t over, and we want to keep her memory alive as much as possible,” Grizzell said.
