SIDNEY – The family of a Hamburg civic leader and food pantry volunteer voiced their questions at a sentencing hearing Wednesday about how 77-year-old Wille Thorp was killed and the justice system's price for a human life.

Thorp’s wife Patricia, two daughters and a granddaughter offered victim impact statements before Magistrate Eric Checketts passed sentence.

The accident happened outside of the food pantry in Hamburg, Iowa, after sunset in January.

The family said they were told that the traffic infraction was the only path for a criminal charge because there was no proof that 77-year-old Nancy Bartles was distracted. The family questioned how a person can not be distracted and still hit a pedestrian and cause traumatic injuries. They also criticized investigators for taking blood alcohol tests of the victim, but letting Bartles drive away without being tested.

Granddaughter Jessica Martin repeated the family’s litany of questions.

Martin: “Is there nothing we can do to hold this woman accountable? How is a life worth less than a typical speeding ticket?”

 

Bartles, who was self-represented at the hearing, turned to the family in her statement saying she had lived a good life for 77 years and had never hurt anyone. She said her life is marked by her care for a handicapped daughter.

She said she did not see Thorp crossing the street because it was dark.

Afterward, family members talked about how difficult forgiveness is and said her apology seemed insincere.

Thorp was a retired volunteer firefighter and EMT. He had served on the Hamburg School Board when his daughters attended and was a Hamburg village board member.

Daughter Melissa Bergantzel said he was most proud of his accomplishment to get the food pantry started in Hamburg, a place he volunteered daily.

Bergantzel: “It’s ironic he was run down and drug down the street for his efforts.”

Under Iowa law, the maximum fine for failure to yield is $135. The county attorney asked for an additional $1,000 fine because of the death. A decision on a 180-day license suspension is pending.