Parents Outraged Over ‘Comfortable’ Jail Life of Texting Driver Who Killed Their Son: “This Isn’t Justice”

Rod and Clarissa Stratton are heartbroken—and angry. Their 10-year-old son, Oliver, was hit and killed by a driver who had been texting behind the wheel. But what hurts nearly as much as losing their son is what they say feels like a slap on the wrist for the woman responsible.

“She was texting almost every 22 seconds for over 30 minutes,” Clarissa told Fox News Digital. “And in that moment of distraction, she ended our son’s life.”

Oliver, known lovingly as “Ollie,” was riding his bike near their Colorado home in August 2023 when he was struck. He was just steps from the curb when the car, driven by 54-year-old middle school teacher Amy Weiss, hit him. He died shortly afterward in the hospital.

Only One Year Behind Bars

Weiss was sentenced in March 2025 to one year in jail—the maximum allowed under current Colorado law for careless driving causing death, which is classified as a traffic misdemeanor.

“In Colorado, this charge is seen the same as being distracted by the sun,” Clarissa explained. “It’s not treated like the reckless, preventable behavior that it is.”

To make matters worse, Weiss was granted a work release sentence at a residential facility that allows inmates to leave for work, religious services, or even family events. She was permitted to attend her daughter’s graduation out of state.

“Our son will never get to go to school again. Never graduate. Never grow up,” Rod said. “But the system made sure she wouldn’t miss her daughter’s big moment. How is that justice?”

A ‘Comfortable’ Sentence?

Photos of the Larimer County Women’s Residential Facility show modern amenities and a home-like environment. The Strattons say it feels more like a retreat than a punishment.

“When you’re charged with something this minor, it opens the door to alternative sentencing,” Clarissa said. “It’s heartbreaking. It’s infuriating.”

Pushing for Legal Change

Since the tragedy, the Strattons have been pushing for reform. They testified before the Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee in support of a bill that would reclassify texting-while-driving deaths as felonies. While the provision was ultimately removed from the bill, the family hasn’t given up.

They’ve also launched Ollie’s Bike Parade, a nonprofit focused on street safety and legislative advocacy. “Texting and driving is the new drunk driving,” Clarissa said. “We can’t keep pretending it’s harmless.”

Remembering Ollie

Oliver was the third of four siblings. His parents say he was bright, funny, kind, and full of energy.

“He was silly and sweet. He was the kind of kid who would help a classmate who felt left out,” Clarissa said. Rod shared a story from Ollie’s memorial service: A boy told them that Ollie practiced footraces with him at recess because he was tired of always losing.

“They don’t make them quite like Ollie Kane,” his mom said quietly.

Oliver is survived by his parents and his siblings—Caily (15), Grayson (14), and Alex (6).

“We’re Not Done”

The Strattons say they won’t stop fighting—not just for Oliver, but for every child whose life could be cut short by distracted driving.

“This shouldn’t happen to another family,” Rod said. “And when it does, the law should reflect the seriousness of what was lost.”