WACO, Texas — The moments from that June evening a decade ago are still so vivid for Shaunna Jennings.
“I remember everything in detail. You hear people say that all the time, ‘You remember that like it was yesterday.’ And you do," Jennings said.
June 15 of 2013 was the night her husband, Pastor Brian Jennings, was killed in Burleson, an hour north of Waco.
Jennings and three others were helping with a broken-down car on the side of rural road, when they were struck by a drunk driver.
All four were killed.
The 16-year-old driver was Ethan Couch, a name that would become synonymous with drunk driving and privilege. His BAC was measured at a staggering .24, three times the legal limit for adults.
Still, despite years of national headlines focused on Couch and his "affluenza" defense, Shaunna says she's forgiven him.
"I honestly can’t put words to it, other than I don’t hold anything against Ethan. I don’t wish him harm. I don’t wish bad things for him,” she told 25 News in an interview this week.
She now calls Waco home and works in a local church.
Her children are grown, but she says their struggles with the loss of their father has been toughest to watch.
“I’ve watched my own daughter walk down the aisle [at her wedding] crying because she didn’t want anyone else to stand in that place with her,” said Jennings.
The family is spending this week together in an effort to remember the vibrant and passionate man that was their "protector."
"We had a really strong leader and a husband in Brian. He loved us very well." said Shaunna. "He loved telling stories and retelling stories. Loved being the center of attention.”
Couch was originally sentenced to ten years probation and time in a "treatment" facility.
After a probation violation in 2015, he and his mother fled to Mexico. Eventually, he spent a couple of years in the Tarrant County jail.
Shaunna is expecting a grandchild, and says she often reflects on Brian's outlook on life: "God will strengthen me, and give me the strength to deal with whatever comes my way.”
25 News Anchor Todd Unger tracked the case for years. You can read more about it here.
