Mother of Marine Charged in Fatal Crash Starts Website

The mother of Sgt. Jared Hale,  in a Dana Point crash in February, launched a website in his name on July 12.

Terrisena Freeman is hoping the site, DefendSgtHaleUSMC.com, raises awareness and funds for his defense.

Hale, 25, has been serving as an active duty service member with United States Marine Corps since Aug. 26, 2008. His attorney, William Paparian, says Hale's next court date is Sept. 14. He has yet to appear in court because of his ongoing medical treatment, his lawyer said.

In June, Hale was charged with three felony counts of vehicular manslaughter for allegedly driving with a blood alcohol level over 0.15 percent and causing great bodily injury. If convicted, he faces a maximum 10 years in state prison. A $100,000 bail is being requested for Hale, who is currently in a medical rehabilitation facility. 

At around 10:30 p.m. on Feb. 13, Hale is accused of arriving at Hennessey's Tavern at 34111 La Plaza in Dana Point with three friends. The defendant and his friends were all stationed at Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton. 

Around 1:50 a.m. on Feb. 14, Hale drove away from the bar in his Dodge sedan with his friends as passengers, law enforcement authorities believe.

Around 2 a.m., as Hale he approached a curve in Golden Lantern at the intersection at Terra Vista, he allegedly lost control of his vehicle, running over the landscaped center median, crashing into a tree, officials have said. The car spun around the tree and came to rest against the tree on the median.

The wreck killed Christopher Arzola, 21, of Massachusetts, Jeremiah Callahan, 23, of Nebraska, and Jason Chleborad, 22, of South Dakota. Callahan and Arzola were pronounced dead at the scene. Chleborad was transported to Mission Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:03 a.m.

Hale was knocked unconscious in the crash and taken to Mission Hospital, where he was treated for brain trauma and a fractured arm. About an hour and a half after the crash, Hale's blood alcohol level registered 0.16 percent, prosecutors have said.

Freeman recently talked with Patch about the new website.

Patch: Why did you launch the site?

Freeman: The site has a dual purpose.  Of course we need to obtain financial support for Jared’s legal defense, and we hope to generate that support via the website.  However, the site is also to tell Jared’s side of this tragic accident, and to help people understand how close these young men were, what they wanted to achieve in life, and that Jared wants to structure his future to help continue the legacy they all began.

Patch: What do you hope to gain from the site?

Freeman: I want to be able to give Jared the best legal defense possible, so I do hope that the site will help generate funds for that purpose. I also want to get the facts out there to the public from “our side of the fence” so to speak.  I want people to see Jared, Jason, Jeremiah and Chris for the wonderful, dedicated Marines that they are and were. They are so much more than just a tragic accident.

Patch: How is your son doing now?

Freeman: Jared is doing better, it has been a struggle, and difficult, but he continues to strive daily to overcome the injuries suffered in the accident both cognitive and physical.

Patch: What do you want people to know about your son?

Freeman: That Jared is a young man with integrity and honor, that he is a dedicated Marine who has served his country well. I want people to know that his injuries were great, not minor, and that his inspiration to overcome every obstacle he has faced in recovery is to live an exemplary life in honor of his lost brothers.

Patch: How can the website help him?

Freeman: Of course the website can help ease the financial burden of his defense that we are facing. However, I think the greater benefit of the site is that the financial support also shows moral support for him, and that there are people out there that believe in him and want him to know that he is loved. In addition to the website, there is a Facebook page that is dedicated to Jared and his recovery and to make people aware of the website. 

Patch: Does he have siblings?

Freeman: Jared has two younger sisters.

Patch: How has your life changed because of all of this?

Freeman: My life has changed dramatically of course. There have been many changes and challenges over the last few months. I was working, attending college for a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and all of that has been put on hold for now. I came to California in February to be at his bedside, and I never left. I have now relocated from my home in Arkansas to continue to support Jared in his recovery. To have had this time with my son has been a blessing amidst all the tragedy, and I am grateful and thankful for it. It’s just what mothers do, we go to our children when they need us, it is just what we do, what we want to do.