Edmond family speaks out as DUI suspect faces new charges

The family of an Edmond man killed in a wrong-way crash is speaking out, warning others and demanding justice after learning the suspect has since been charged with additional crimes.

Ernie Harrell, a beloved truck driver and local wrestler, was killed on February 6 in a wrong-way DUI crash along Interstate 40 near Seminole. Investigators say 20-year-old Jase Wilson was going the wrong way when he slammed a semi-truck, driven by 63-year-old Suhaib Hassan of Harris, TX. Harrell then slammed into the semi and died at the scene. Hassan suffered critical injuries. Harrell’s brother-in-law, DJ Peterson, says the loss still hurts.

“There’s been a lot of emotions,” Peterson said. “I miss him a lot.”

Initially, Peterson says he tried to believe the crash was a tragic mistake.

“People make mistakes. People drink when they’re young, people do stupid things,” he said. “I was giving him the benefit of the doubt.”

But since Harrell’s death, Wilson has allegedly committed more crimes.

Court records show Wilson was arrested again in April for driving under the influence, this time along I-44 in Lincoln County. He also faces charges of second-degree burglary and possession of stolen property in Pottawatomie County.

“He does not care about other people,” Peterson said. “This is not a one-time mistake.”

Despite the new charges, Wilson remains out on bond.

“He’s still free,” Peterson said, “and my brother-in-law is no longer with us.”

The family describes Harrell as a larger-than-life figure whose presence is deeply missed.

“Ernie was a character,” Peterson said. “He’s definitely a character.”

Now, the family says they’re not only fighting for justice for Harrell, but also working to keep Wilson off the streets, before anyone else gets hurt.

“It’s clear that he doesn’t care about human life,” Peterson said. “It’s clear from his record, he does not care about others.”

Wilson is currently facing multiple charges in connection with the February crash, including second-degree manslaughter and DUI causing great bodily harm. He is scheduled to appear in court in Wewoka on May 20.