I-TEAM Case Files: Family seeks justice for Judy Tanner

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - A driver has not been charged months after hitting and killing a 20-year-old woman who was crossing Glendale Avenue in September. The woman’s mother has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver.

Judy Tanner left work at Dollar Tree on Glendale just before 6 p.m. Sept. 9. She was walking to the Oak Hill Apartments across the street.

Tanner was crossing Glendale in the crosswalk when a driver hit her.

According to police, the driver was turning left out of a shopping plaza. The police report says the driver was “distracted by her autistic son” and did not see Tanner.

Tanner was trapped under the SUV. She died at the hospital.

Tanner’s mother, Cindy Barnes, said her daughter had the walk sign. The driver talked with police but has not been charged.

Barnes lives out of state. She recently filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver. She is asking for $75,000 and claims negligence.

Barnes said she wants answers about why no charges have been filed.

“There are cameras all over that place. It can see what happened. If they can see what happened, why is she still walking around?” Barnes said.

A search showed a history of traffic violations for the driver. They include driving without a license in 2024 and 2025, speeding, expired tags and fake plates.

Five months before the crash, the driver was convicted of driving without a license. Many of the cases were dropped or ended in a small fine.

Barnes said Tanner was “one of my favorite people in the world — so sweet and so caring.”

“She is a human being, and she deserves better than that,” Barnes said.

Barnes said she wants the driver to face consequences.

“I really want the lady to feel bad for what she did,” Barnes said. “I want them to get her some kind of justice and not just leave her on the sidelines.”

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