• Originally published May 13, 2008 at 12:35 a.m., updated May 13, 2008 at 12:35 a.m.

The widow of an apparent homicide victim should not — that’s should not — pay the fee for impounding the car her husband was driving when he died. Why? Calhoun County should pay the fee because it impounded the car for the investigation into the death.

The car is considered evidence in the case, which is reasonable. However, it's unreasonable to suggest the widow pay the fees associated with keeping that car impounded since April 24.

However, the widow, Janice Bonnell, received billing for the impounding of the car from Calhoun County. The fees will be more than $650, and the cost for impounding will surely increase as time passes.

Mrs. Bonnell, who is grieving the loss of her husband, did not impound the car. She lost her husband April 24 and is expected to pay this fee? She probably needs the car for transportation, as well, to look for employment. This act by Calhoun County is outrageous.

She and her family recently moved to Seadrift. She has medical problems and a 13-year-old daughter to take care of. She is out of work, yet she received billing for the tow of her husband’s car to the impound yard, and the impound fees are mounting at $20 a day.

Bonnell told Advocate reporter Leslie Wilber on May 9 that she would have to borrow money to get the car back once investigators are finished with the car.

Bonnell is a grieving widow who should not have to pay a nickel. And her car should be delivered to her home when investigators are finished. This would be the right and ethical thing to do.

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