Today is Jun 4th. Today would have been Jessica’s 21st birthday, a day of celebration, a day where she would have been considered “legal” in today’s society.

Most young people look forward to 21 as the day they are legal to drink alcohol but turning 21 also means you are legally considered an adult. Being 21 means you are able to make your own choices and decisions about who you are, what you want to do in life, that mom and dad’s permission is no longer needed.

Sadly, Jessica is not going to get that chance to make those decisions and choices. Those rights were taken away by a so called “adult” who made a terrible and ultimately tragic driving decision.

Today Jessica would have turned 21 and it would have been a grand celebration as Jessica would have expected no less. She loved parties and it would have been done in style, there is no doubt about that. However, Jessica is no longer with us but we will still celebrate and we will celebrate with style. Flowers will be placed on the grave, prayers will be said, tears will be shed and then a beer, glass of wine or a cocktail will be raised in her honor and her life will be celebrated as it should be, with style.

Happy 21st Birthday my dear, beautiful Jessica.

The trooper entered a plea of guilty today. Here is the statement I read to the media today:

This is the statement that I read after the trooper’s plea hearing:

We, the family of Jessica and Kelli Uhl, would like to take this opportunity to express how indebted we are to the St. Clair County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for their diligence and professionalism in bringing the case to a close that is acceptable to all parties.

We would also like to express our profound gratitude to everyone who has attended our fundraisers, donated blood, ate at Applebee’s or conveyed their sympathy, thoughts and prayers. We are forever grateful for your support throughout this ordeal.

We are hopeful that this conviction sends a message not only to all first responders and law enforcement officers, but to all drivers: please slow down, pay attention, put down the phone and drive safely.

Kim Schlau and Brian Uhl