Web site inspired by child's death

Article by Ashley Fuller, Cherokee Tribune, August 7, 2005

A new Web site is keeping the name of a southwest Cherokee County couple's teenage son on people's minds years after his death.

The Dustin Inman Society, on the Internet at www.thedustininmansociety.org, is dedicated to educating the public on the consequences of illegal immigration. The site was started last month and Dustin's parents, Billy and Kathy Inman, serve on the organization's board....

Dustin, 16, was killed when the Inmans' car was struck at a red light in Gilmer County on June 16, 2000. The man who hit them, an illegal immigrant named Gonzalo Harrell-Gonzalez, disappeared from the hospital where he was being treated after the accident before he could be arrested. He remains free today.

Before the accident, Billy Inman said he never voted in elections.

"It seemed like politics was just a club," he said. "I just tried to enjoy life and take care of my family."

Since the accident, which also left Kathy in a wheelchair due to spinal injuries, Inman has become much more politically active. He attends rallies and contacts politicians....

"I'm just trying to open some people's eyes and educate them. The average person does not know how much it is costing us," he said. "I can't blame them for wanting to be here, but they need to be held accountable for their actions."...

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