Earlham man who struck and killed pedestrian on I-35 sentenced to probation

Francesca Block
Des Moines Register

An Earlham man who struck and killed a pedestrian while driving last year was sentenced Tuesday to two years probation. 

Frank Alan Davidson, 21, of Earlham was charged in May 2021 with vehicular homicide while operating under the influence, vehicular homicide by driving recklessly and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in the death of Stephanie Waddell, 38, of Oskaloosa. On Tuesday, Davidson pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of the accident which resulted in a death, a class D felony, according to court records. 

"What we have here is many many lives changed forever," Judge Scott Rosenberg said at Davidson's sentencing hearing.

Davidson's attorney, Van Mackey Plumb, acknowledged the pain both parties faced in court on Tuesday.

"I don't think there probably is any greater pain in the world than losing a loved one early," he said. 

Plumb said Davidson has grappled with guilt following the accident, leading him to struggle with his mental health and even attempt suicide.

According to his plea agreement, Davidson faced a maximum of up to five years in prison. Plumb requested the court consider Davidson as a candidate for probation, citing Davidson's limited criminal history and mental health struggles, coupled with violence in his family history and the fact that the victim, Waddell, had been walking on the interstate on a dark and rainy night. 

Davidson previously pleaded guilty to public intoxication and criminal mischief in the fifth degree in Madison County in 2020 and 2021, respectively. 

"I just want to apologize and say I am sorry for what happened," Davidson said Tuesday. "I wish I would have stayed and called the cops there." 

In light of Davidson's guilty plea, the state, represented by Kailyn Heston on behalf of Jaki Livingston, recommended dismissing the OWI and reckless driving charges. 

"He is a young man and it is clear he is suffering from both mental health and substance abuse issues," Heston said. 

Following the recommendation of charges, the court heard statements from Waddell's father Darrell Cope and husband Kurtis Waddell. 

In a statement read by an advocate, Cope said, "I want to forgive you for my own healing, but today, I can't." 

Waddell was a mother of two who worked as a housekeeper. She enjoyed going on walks and spending time with her family, according to her obituary. 

In addition to probation, Davidson was ordered to pay $1,025 in fines and engage in a victim-offender reconciliation program if requested by the family of the victim. The court also ordered Davidson to enroll in mental health and substance abuse programs. 

Francesca Block is a breaking news reporter at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at FBlock@registermedia.com or on Twitter at @francescablock3.