OTTAWA — Tammy Payne, 40, Ottawa; was sentenced to one year in jail and another two years on probation for an accident that killed her four-year-old son a year ago. Alex Russle Bowles-Gregg died March 12, 2011, after her parked vehicle rolled down the driveway at 1040 S. Cottonwood and hit him. She had earlier pleaded no contest to two charges of child endangerment and one charge of DUI with a prior conviction. This morning in Franklin County District Court, her attorney Brian Hastert wanted to put Payne on the stand, but she was shaking so violently she couldn’t speak, and couldn’t testify on her own behalf. Hastert asked that Payne not spend any time in jail, but be placed on probation so she could complete her college classes and get her life back together. County Attorney Heather Jones objected, saying she considered charging Payne with homicide. When the accident occurred, Payne was at least twice the legal blood-alcohol limit and that the boy’s death could have been avoided if she hadn’t been drunk. She also said police and witnesses reported Payne has resumed drinking and has been seen in a local bar. Payne was led away in handcuffs.
Wednesday, March 14, 3 p.m.
