Attorney For Janet Hinds To Seek Change Of Venue; Trial May Be In Late Summer

  • Thursday, December 12, 2019
  • Joseph Dycus
Father of Nicholas Galinger was at hearing
Father of Nicholas Galinger was at hearing
photo by Brent McDonald (See video on NewsChannel 9)

An attorney for the Chattanooga woman who allegedly ran over and killed law enforcement officer Nicholas Galinger said he will ask a change of venue for her.

Janet Hinds, 55, will be back in court in a couple of months. She is to have her trial date decided on Feb. 3.

A trial date sometime in late summer was hinted at by defense attorney Ben McGowan. Other pre-trial hearings were set for May 1 and July 7. The defense said they needed more time to go through discovery.

“We were disappointed, because we were led to believe that they were going to set a trial date,” said officer Galinger’s father. “But after it was explained to us by General (Neal) Pinkston, it all made sense. It gives us some dates, and it looks like the trial date will be in August. At that time, I think justice will prevail for our son.”

Ms. Hinds allegedly struck and killed Chattanooga police officer Galinger while driving drunk in late February. Officer Galinger had been inspecting an overflowing manhole when Ms. Hinds allegedly ran into him. After hitting the officer, she drove away, it was charged.

Ms. Hinds was charged with 10 crimes, including vehicular homicide by intoxication, reckless driving, leaving the scene, failure to report an accident, failure to render aid, violation of a traffic control device, speeding, drivers to exercise due care, failure to maintain lane, and driving under the influence.

“We believe, based on the investigation, that the jury will convict,” said the father, “There’s no other way I can see them (going). Our son is dead, and they can say all of the reasons that got him there, but he’s dead. She needs to accept responsibility for her poor decisions.”

In July, Ms. Hinds was found guilty of violating her probation when she tested positive for alcohol on a drug screen. She had also failed to call in to her probation officer on one night. Her probation was made more strict. Ms. Hinds made bond, was released, and has been awaiting trial since the Summer.

Ms. Hinds served as the postmaster in Soddy Daisy when she was arrested earlier this year.

Despite the constant postponements, the Galinger family said they have remained strong. The last postponement was due to Lee Hall’s execution case, a circumstance the victim’s father understood.

“It’s been tough with the postponements, but the postponements have been for a good reason,” said the father, “The last one was for Lee Hall, and when you have postponements for something as important as that, for those families who are still mourning their loved ones lost, I’m all for it.”

Even though the family would have preferred to see a trial date set Thursday, they said they were encouraged by a concrete date being set for things to move forward.

“That felt really good, and I was really happy to see dates,” said officer Galinger’s father, “We can work our lives around those dates. Maybe we can enjoy a little more of our lives, rather than just sitting at the house, and dwelling on the pain and hurting.”

Despite what Ms. Hinds allegedly did to his son, the father said he harbors no ill-will toward the defendant. He said he simply has one desire when the case goes to trial later this year.

“I have no hatred toward her. I would just would like for her to be responsible for what she did, and accept her responsibility.”

 

 

 

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