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The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Incredible moment widow HUGS husband's hit & run killer & forgives him as he bursts into tears in court
THIS is the astonishing moment a woman embraces her husband's hit-and-run killer in court and tells him he is forgiven. Joseph Tillman, 24, was sentenced to 20 years behind bars after killing Charles Johnson in a hit-and-run. Advertisement 6 Regina Johnson embraced her husband's killer, Joseph Tillman, in court Credit: Youtube/WSB-TV 6 Tillman reportedly whispered 'I am so sorry' in her ear Credit: Youtube/WSB-TV 6 Charles Johnson, known as Chuck, was killed in a hit-and-run Johnson was riding his bike on Towne Lake Parkway, Georgia at around 3:30pm on March 3 last year when he was fatally struck by a car. Charles - better known as Chuck - was rushed to hospital where he was treated for life-threatening injuries but tragically died a week later. Tillman later pleaded guilty to charges including homicide by vehicle, drinking under the influence, and reckless driving. Incredible footage taken in court shows the moment the 24-year-old breaks down in tears as the victim's wife, Regina Johnson, turns to embrace him. Advertisement The two share a long hug, prompting tears among members of the courtroom, as Regina tell the young lad she forgives him. Tillman then whispered to Regina: "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry," WSB-TV 2 reports. Watching on in disbelief, Cherokee County Superior Court Judge Tony Baker said: "I don't think I've ever seen the wife of a victim hug a defendant where they killed somebody." In an interview after the trial, Regina revealed she reached for her husband's killer because "God told her he needed a mom hug". Advertisement She said: "Joey needs healing of things in his past, as we all do. And that is our heart and prayer." The 24-year-old had been drinking at a sports bar and had bought whippets of Galaxy Gas - a dangerous nitrous oxide drug - before getting behind the wheel and passing out. Train hits van with driver inside, but miraculously, no one was injured After hitting Johnson, Tillman evaded the scene and another driver, who was also present at the time, was initially charged with the hit-and-run. Johnson has been sentenced to two decades in prison where will have to complete a two year inpatient rehab program, which could lead to suspended prison time. Advertisement Speaking in court, Tillman said: 'I've committed to the long road of making amends. I've entered rehab, embraced sobriety, began the hard, humbling work of healing. I know I do not deserve peace when I've caused so much pain.' While his defense lawyer, Paul Ghanouni, added: 'He's changed his way of life and seems like he's on a trajectory to continue to move forward with his life in a positive way.' Tributes have since poured in for Chuck who had a "joy for life" and could always be seen with a wide smile on his face. One grieving resident said: "He always had a smile, a joy for life, and always a big heart. Advertisement "I spent many hours with him and his family, always feeling welcome. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you." While another added: "So sorry for Chuck to have had been involved in such a tragic accident. Our sympathy to the family and may Chuck rest in peace." A third, who remembered Chuck for his generosity, said: "Chuck was a friend whose love of life, Jesus, family, theological discussions with me in various places in the world, and and gentle honesty has immeasurably enriched my life." The 78-year-old was a valued member of his community - serving in various ministries and helping in the local women's shelter. Advertisement He was married to Regina for 50 years and leaves behind his two adored sons and daughter, and five cherished granddaughters. 6 Joseph Tillman was sentenced to 20 years for killing Chuck Credit: Cherokee county Sheriff's Office 6 Footage shows the 24-year-old breaking down in tears Credit: Youtube/WSB-TV 6 In an interview Regina said she felt Joseph needed a 'mom hug' Credit: Youtube/WSB-TV
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Trump's budget cuts put Rivian's $6.6B loan in jeopardy
Rivian's long-planned $6.6 billion loan from the federal government is in jeopardy as President Donald Trump moves to cut expenditures, throwing uncertainty over the electric vehicle startup's massive Georgia factory. The loan, approved in the final days of the Biden administration, was intended to support the construction of a nine-million-square-foot facility capable of producing up to 400,000 EVs per year. However, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp recently acknowledged that the funding could be on the chopping block. 'You know, they secured that loan at the tail end of the Biden administration, and I think there's no secret that the Trump administration is taking a look at all those things,' Kemp told WSB-TV 2. 'So I don't really know where that stands right now.'Despite the uncertainty, Rivian has already started hiring for the Georgia plant, which is expected to employ up to 7,500 people when fully operational. Production is scheduled to begin in 2028, with the facility manufacturing the upcoming R2 and R3 models — smaller, more affordable vehicles that Rivian hopes will drive profitability. The factory is a major piece of Rivian's long-term strategy, as the company continues to lose money on its flagship R1T pickup and R1S SUV. While Rivian remains optimistic, a revoked loan could spell trouble for its ambitious expansion potential loss of federal backing has sparked political concern. Georgia Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff warned that pulling the loan could create economic 'chaos,' particularly in a state that has aggressively pursued EV manufacturing investments. Meanwhile, Kemp has reassured residents that Georgia will still support Rivian's factory, regardless of federal funding. 'We got parameters in, and whether it's the incentives, the side itself to protect taxpayers regardless of what happens with that side,' he said. 'Rivian keeps telling us they're coming and, you know, we're taking them for their word at that.' Still, without the $6.6 billion loan, Rivian could face significant financial hurdles. The automaker has been burning through cash in its push to scale up production, and losing a key source of federal support could force it to seek alternative funding or slow its expansion achieving its first-ever gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2024, Rivian's stock has faced headwinds due to mixed analyst sentiment and uncertainty surrounding government policy shifts. A recent downgrade from Bank of America, along with concerns about potential changes to federal EV funding under the Trump administration, has shaken investor confidence. Since its Feb. 20 earnings report, Rivian's stock has declined by approximately 13%. For now, Rivian remains confident that the loan will remain in place. 'We're working hard to onshore US manufacturing, providing thousands of American jobs here in Georgia,' the company said in a statement. But with Trump's budget cuts looming, the future of Rivian's Georgia factory — and its broader EV ambitions — remains uncertain. Love reading Autoblog? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get exclusive articles, insider insights, and the latest updates delivered right to your inbox. Click here to sign up now!
