banktime.com

The man who is currently in jail for killing three people with his Toyota Camry could have a whole new defense, thanks to the now-notorious recalls of many Toyota vehicles. Koua Fong Lee, a Hmong immigrant, was convicted in 2007 of killing a man, his son, and his niece. Lee tearfully told the jury that he had tried desperately to stop the car, and that the 1996 model Camry was out of control. His defense was unsuccessful, and the jury sentenced Lee to eight years in prison. Lee, who has never stopped maintaining his innocence, is now fighting to have his case re-examined in light of the modern-day furor over Toyotas. Even the relatives of the man and two children killed have come forward to wonder whether Lee might be innocent. In fact, they are troubled enough by the coincidence that they have come forward to file suit against Toyota.

At the end of January, Toyota issues a recall of millions of its best-selling cars following news that the affected models had issues with accelerator pedals sticking and causing the cars to speed out of control. Hundreds of accidents and several deaths are being blamed on Toyota’s problematic gas pedals, and countless lawsuits have been filed in relation with the issue. Lee claimed at the time of his accident that he “was stepping on the brakes as hard as possible” at the time his car collided at a red light with the Oldmobile carrying thirty-three year old Javis Trice Adams, ten year old Javis Jr., and six year old Devyn Bolten. Lee, who had about one year of driving experience at the time, was coming back from church with his wife, daughter, father, and brother in the Camry when it started accelerating suddenly as Lee came down an exit ramp from the highway on which he had been driving. The car topped out at ninety miles per hour. Lee’s car was examined after the accident by a mechanic hired by the prosecution, and nothing was found to be wrong with the brakes. Lee was accused of mixing up the gas and the brakes, and convicted on a double charge of criminal vehicular homicide. The prosecutor on Lee’s case has stated that he no longer believes that Lee is guilty of the crime. The support from the victims’ family is also a strong factor going into a reconsideration of the case.

It’s interesting to note that Lee’s ’96 Camry was not one of the cars making an appearance on the recall list, but that several other owners of this same car have filed suit claiming that they have trouble with the gas pedals. There is enough compelling evidence that the older Camrys might be displaying the same issue that there’s a chance Lee’s case might be re-examined. The accident vehicle is still extant in a St. Paul impound lot, meaning that it’s possible the accelerator assembly could be examined. Lee’s attorney is planning on filing paperwork to have the car re-examined. In the meantime, Lee, who reportedly weeps every time the accident is discussed and longs to go home to his wife and four children, will remain behind bars.