Carlie Rose Obituary, Death – A Beaumont family is devastated and outraged after the DUI driver who killed their loved one was released on bail and will spend the holidays out of jail, just weeks after shattering their lives.
Adam Witlatch, who recently married his 23-year-old middle school sweetheart, Carlie Rose, is grappling with profound grief. “I planned to grow old with her,” he said, reflecting on the loss of his wife. The couple had just returned from their honeymoon when the tragedy struck.
On October 4, Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies spotted a wrong-way driver, later identified as 48-year-old Jason McQueary, speeding on Seminole Drive near the outlets and casino in Cabazon. When deputies attempted to stop him, McQueary fled, leading them on a high-speed chase. The chase ended tragically when McQueary crashed into Carlie Rose’s car as she sat at a stop sign, killing her instantly.
Witlatch is heartbroken and angry, stating, “He may not have intended to kill my wife, but as far as I see it, if you intended to run when you kill someone, it’s intentional.”
Carlie’s family is reeling from the loss. Her mother, Buenita Shoemaker, described the deep void left by Carlie’s absence. “She had a contagious laugh, and to not be able to hear that laugh, see her smile, look into her beautiful blue eyes, hear her voice, or hug her ever again — it’s just not fair,” she said.
McQueary was arrested and booked on charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. However, much to the family’s dismay, he was released on bail the next day, raising concerns for their safety and the possibility of McQueary repeating his actions. “Not only does he get to go home to celebrate with his family for the holidays, while my wife is in a grave, he has the potential of doing that to somebody else,” Witlatch said. “I don’t stand for that.”
McQueary is set to appear in court in January, but for Carlie’s grieving family, the legal proceedings do little to ease the pain of their loss. The family is left to mourn during the holiday season, feeling that justice has yet to be served.