Abdallah Khader’s family celebrated his sixth birthday this week. The celebration was bitter-sweet because although his family is thankful that Khader survived the car crash that nearly took his live in 2009, he has lost about 80% of his brain function since the accident. 6 year-old Khader was injured nearly three years ago when a drunk driver crashed into the family car.
His family has fought tirelessly since the accident to hold the drunk driver, Stewart Richardson, responsible for his actions. Richardson has not yet been tried despite the fact the accident was almost three years ago. Richardson had numerous previous convictions and charges of driving under the influence. One of the family’s biggest frustrations has been that Richardson’s past convictions aren’t admissible due to a technicality. The fact that Richardson’s convictions took place in 4 other States has kept his record out of Texas courts.
Fahad Khader, Abdallah’s father, told WFAA, “It’s killing us from the inside, to be honest. It hurts us too much.” Loubna Elharazin added, “Our pain and suffering of just looking at him, is nothing compared to what he is going through. He’s a hero. He’s a superman. He’s everything.”
The family’s pleas have not gone completely unheard by the legislature. The state legislature passed laws in Abdallah’s name that mandate harsher punishments for drunk drivers who injure others this severely.
Hopefully, by his seventh birthday, the Khader family will have at last see Richardson permanently behind bars. Until then the family continues to care for their son and pray for justice.
Update (01/11/2015): Eight-year-old Abdallah Khader has passed away.
