Family honors Milwaukee grandmother, grandson killed in reckless driving crash

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – The community gathered to remember a grandmother and her grandson who died after a reckless driving crash on Milwaukee's north side.

"[Mama Lynn] was his biggest fan, his biggest supporter. When [Ashton] would dance and rap, she would cheer him on. She would clear out her whole living room and put his basketball court in there so he could play," Shantel Bacchus said.

With prayer, the family of 55-year-old Janice Howard and 11-year-old Ashton Porter released balloons in their honor on Tuesday. Howard was picking up her grandson from basketball practice Tuesday, March 5, when a man crashed into their car on Sherman and Villard.

"I was on the phone with her before she got in the car and left. I was waiting for her to call me back," Janice's 17-year-old granddaughter, Kayln Coleman, told CBS 58. "He took away my best friend, my little cousin. He took away my grandmother. He took away my family. That's my blood."

As dozens gathered to say goodbye, they remembered the light the two brought into their lives.

"She was very loving and nurturing, and also a protector. She was like a second mom to me," Bacchus, Howard's niece, said. "She was actually my very first best friend."

Howard, who was known as "Mama Lynn" to those who loved her, died the night of the crash.

"Everybody knew my grandma was funny," Coleman said with a smile. "She had this very unique laugh, and she was loud, she was so loud. But that was all of our Mama Lynn."

Porter was transported to a local hospital, where he was in critical condition until succumbing to his injuries this week.

"I was just devastated. I went to see him while he was in the hospital. It was so weird, my little cousin that was just so full of life every time you see him, he was dancing," Coleman said. "He was just so full of life, so to see him in that state and condition really messed me up."

While at the spot they were hit, a week after the crash, the family urged people to slow down.

"Everybody just needs to chill out. It's not that serious. Y'all going to get to your destination. But blowing through reds and just speeding, it's ridiculous. Everybody just needs to calm down," Coleman explained.

Investigators say 31-year-old Davonte Jackson was the driver who ran the red light and caused the crash. Jackson allegedly fled on foot from the crash but was taken into custody a short distance away.

Jackson has been charged with the following:

• Hit and run resulting in death
• Second-degree reckless homicide
• Knowingly operating motor vehicle without a valid license - causing death

Jackson's bond is set at $520,000 and is due back in court March 19.