Alex Gallman and his sister, Rashae Doyle
Brief court hearing on Thursday morning
photo by Brent McDonald (See video on NewsChannel 9)
Charles and Dianne Gallman, Anna Caro and Rashae Doyle
photo by Brent McDonald (See video on NewsChannel 9)
Anna Caro
photo by Hollie Webb
Mother and sister of road rage victim
photo by Hollie Webb
Sister reads statement
photo by Hollie Webb
The mother of 39-year-old "road rage" victim Alex Gallman said at a press conference on Thursday afternoon, "We are very disappointed this case will not be going to trial in order to put this to rest for our son."
Richard Manning, who was charged in the fatal shooting, never came to court and died recently. The case was "abated by death" during a brief General Sessions Court appearance on Thursday morning.
Dianne Gallman, the mother, also said, "This was a senseless act from someone that I pray no other mother, father, family, or children ever have to face.
Alex's fiancee Anna Caro tearfully told the room, "In just a matter of seconds, my life and the life of our boys changed." The couple had three young boys.
She said on the day of the shooting, she and Alex were on their way to get lunch. She said they were at an intersection on South Moore Road when they thought the vehicle behind them had rear-ended them.
Wen Alex got out of the car and approached the driver's side window of the vehicle, he was shot in the abdomen by the driver.
The driver, the 62-year-old Manning, was charged with first-degree murder and aggravated assault. Before the case could go to trial, Manning passed away at Erlanger Hospital. He had been suffering from cancer, diabetes, and the after effects of a stroke.
Alex's mother also told of a recent school assignment her youngest grandson had. She said the students were asked to write about three wishes, and her grandson wrote about wanting to see his father again.
Charles Gallman, Alex's father, said, "Alex always said I was his hero. But Alex is my hero." He said his son was a "super person in every way."
Alex's sister, Rashae Doyle, said, "Unfortunately, on Dec. 17, my brother was the victim of gun violence. It is apparent to me that gun violence has become an epidemic in this country. I think there needs to be some change made to prevent these acts and loss of innocent life."
Since the shooting, a fund has been set up to support the children.
Ms. Caro said, "We can never express how much it has meant to us...People who don't even know us have given to the fund at SunTrust Bank."