Suspected drunk driver who killed 84-year-old man cries in court

(WJBK) - An 84-year-old man was killed while walking home from the grocery store on Black Friday. He was struck by a 24-year-old driver, who police say was drunk and distracted.

"We had Thanksgiving dinner, I had prepared the dinner and everybody was here," said Marcelyn Blakely. "He did get a chance to spend time with us. I didn't think it would be the last time."

But sadly, it was. 

Last Friday, as he routinely does, Adolphus Blakely walked to the grocery store. On his way home, the 84-year-old GM retiree was struck and killed.

Oak Park police say Reaneen Wheat had been drinking. She was driving down Scotia Street and she had been arguing with her two passengers causing her to lose control, hop the curb and strike Blakely who was walking down the sidewalk, police say.

Instead of staying and checking to see if the elderly man was okay, and, despite a flat tire, Wheat is also accused of leaving the scene.

"I think it is terrible since they fled in a hit and run," Blakely said.

Witnesses were able to give police a description of the vehicle and officers were able to locate the car, driver and two women inside at the time. They were then brought into custody.

On Monday Wheat broke down in tears as the judge charged her for driving with a suspended license, under the influence causing death and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.

"It's awful," Blakely said. "I can't bring my dad back."

Marcelyn Blakely says her dad was a wonderful father and husband who was married to her mother for 53 years.

She fondly remembers her father who was an avid jazz fan.

"Excellent father, excellent husband, a Christian man who went to bible study every Tuesday," she said. "He sang in the Paul Robeson Choir Fellowship Chapel."

His daughter says that at 84 he was happy and healthy - and was not even on any medication.