Background: Delyshia Molette in court on Dec. 9 (WKRG). Inset: Delyshia Molette (Mobile County Sheriff”s Office).
The father of an Alabama woman, who stands accused of causing a high-speed car crash that tragically took the life of her 7-year-old son, has publicly defended her following a recent court appearance. This incident has stirred emotions and raised questions about the events leading up to the devastating accident.
Delyshia Molette, aged 34, faced the Mobile County court on Tuesday. Her court appearance comes just over a month after being charged with manslaughter following the crash on November 4. The heartbreaking revelation of her son’s death came during her bond hearing, where it was also noted that her 11-year-old son suffered injuries.
During Tuesday’s court hearing, new details emerged about the moments leading to the accident. Local news outlet WKRG was present in the courtroom, alongside Delyshia’s father, Douglas Molette, who was there to lend his support and stand by her side in this difficult time.
Prosecutors presented their case, highlighting that on November 5, Delyshia Molette allegedly attempted to shoplift from a Publix in Semmes, Alabama. The items in question were reportedly a package of hamburger meat and some dog toys. When store employees confronted her, Molette allegedly brandished a weapon in response.
The situation escalated when police arrived at the scene. Delyshia Molette allegedly resisted arrest, reportedly attempting to gouge an officer’s eyes and biting his finger in the process. Despite efforts to detain her, she managed to flee. The police search for her was eventually called off later that evening around 9 p.m.
Police later tracked her to her home, where she took her two sons and drove off in an Infiniti SUV. Authorities allege that her plan was to head to Georgia, aiming to cross state lines to prevent Alabama authorities from taking her children away.
Police chased Delyshia Molette in her SUV until they realized that there were children inside. During testimony at November’s court hearing, officers said that she had reached speeds up to 90 mph before she crashed. It was at that court hearing when Delyshia Molette found out that her 7-year-old son was dead. Upon hearing the news, Molette reportedly shouted, “Did you say he died? My 7-year-old died?”
Douglas Molette told WKRG, “When you walk into a store as someone follows you, yes, for some people, anxiety kicks in, and I feel that once again, whether it was intentional or non-intentional, yes, I feel that she went from 1 to 100 based on our previous issues.”
He explained, “My family has a history of anxiety issues. So, when we get frustrated, we [can go] from 1 to 100 real quick. I know that sometimes when things get too much for her, she goes from 1 to 100 as well.” He told WKRG that he did not believe that his daughter’s alleged actions were “intentional,” and called the numerous charges against her “excessive.”
Delyshia Molette is charged with manslaughter, resisting arrest, attempting to elude, robbery, and assault.
