Background: Delyshia Molette in court on Dec. 9 (WKRG). Inset: Delyshia Molette (Mobile County Sheriff”s Office).
Following a court session, the father of an Alabama woman accused of causing a tragic car accident that led to her 7-year-old son’s death, has spoken out in her defense.
Delyshia Molette, 34, made an appearance in a Mobile County courtroom on Tuesday, just weeks after facing charges of manslaughter. The incident, which took place on November 4, resulted in her arrest. During her bond hearing, Molette learned of her younger son’s death in the crash, while her 11-year-old son sustained injuries.
The hearing shed more light on the events preceding the crash. Local news outlet WKRG was present in the courtroom, as was Molette’s father, Douglas Molette, who came to support his daughter.
According to WKRG’s coverage, prosecutors alleged that on November 5, Delyshia Molette attempted to shoplift from a Publix grocery store in Semmes, Alabama. The items included a package of hamburger meat and a few dog toys. When store employees confronted her, she allegedly brandished a weapon, according to police reports.
The police arrived at the scene, and Delyshia Molette allegedly assaulted an officer by trying to gouge his eyes and biting his finger. Despite efforts to detain her, she reportedly fled on foot. A search was initiated but called off around 9 p.m.
Authorities later located Delyshia Molette at her residence. She then entered her Infiniti SUV with her two children, intending to drive to Georgia. Her aim was to cross state lines to prevent Alabama authorities from taking custody of her children, police stated.
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.
