Victoria Nicodemus' Brother Is Petitioning DA Thompson For A Grand Jury Investigation Into His Sister's Death

A scene from Victoria Nicodemus’ vigil. (Photo by Heather Chin/Fort Greene Focus.)

Hank Miller, the brother of slain pedestrian Victoria Nicodemus, has posted a petition on Change.org for Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson to conduct a grand jury investigation into the death of his sister.

Marlon Sewell faces a maximum penalty of a $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail if convicted on charges of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree and driving without a license. The charges stem from when Sewell, who was driving without a license, swerved to avoid a bus and instead jumped the curb and hit three pedestrians just outside Not Ray’s Pizza on Fulton Street just off South Portland Avenue on December 6, 2015. Nicodemus, 30, died of her injuries from the accident.

“While her family grieves this senseless loss, her killer not only walks free but is back behind the wheel where he can do the same thing to someone else,” reads the petition.

Photo courtesy of Sara Pouche.

Victoria Nicodemus’ family has been outspoken in seeking legal recourse for her death.

“[A]n innocent life was taken by a reckless, out-of-control and unlicensed driver and a ‘slap on the wrist’ misdemeanor charge is unacceptable. Victoria’s family and friends demand a full, Grand Jury investigation and no stone be left unturned or investigative procedure skipped.” wrote Miller in the petition.

At a vigil just after Nicodemus’ death, her family sounded a similar theme.

“Change the law so that people who are sober and take lives are prosecuted like the drunks,” said Else Nicodemus, the victim’s mother, at a vigil just after her daughter’s death.

That vigil was intended to raise awareness for stiffer reckless driving penalties as well highlight pedestrian safety, not just to commemorate Nicodemus.

“It’s not okay that we have cameras and will boot cars for parking tickets, but not [do anything about]no insurance or license. It should be a felony. It’s not okay. It’s not okay that taking a life is termed ‘just an accident,’” said Miller at the vigil.

The family has championed upgrading pedestrian safety measures in Fort Greene, such as sidewalk extensions.

If you support Miller’s petition, click here.