To the editor:
April 24, 2015, was always supposed to be a memorable day for me. I was a senior at Indiana University and competing in my last Little 500. Unfortunately, it was memorable for all the wrong reasons. That was the day my bright-spirited roommate, Hannah, was senselessly killed.
I still remember the feeling of shock that fell over me as the detective delivered the news on our front lawn. Hannah’s friends showed up in masses that night each reacting to the news in different ways: some falling, some screaming, some crying, some vomiting, some speechless.
What ensued over the next year was different for all of us. I went through the motions of life while trying to navigate post-grad life and the crazy things your brain does after being exposed to trauma, loss and grief. While we found positive ways to honor, laugh and love in Hannah’s memory, we had something looming over us continuously for over a year and half after that April day: the trial.
Just as I felt like I was getting my feet back under me, I was subpoenaed to appear in Brown County for a deposition. In the week leading up to my deposition, I became uncharacteristically emotional, forgetful and restless. I assured everyone I felt fine, but was everything but. With my heart beating out of my chest as I walked into the Brown County prosecutor’s office, it took only a minute with Prosecutor Ted Adams and his team to feel a little bit more at ease.
Among horrible circumstances, Ted did everything in his power to make the process better for us. He was kind, he was patient, and he took time to get to know us, and in turn, get to know additional pieces of Hannah. But, what struck me most after meeting Ted that day was how invested he was about getting every detail correct. I left extremely confident in the abilities of Ted and his team to put this monster away forever.
That August, we reconvened in Brown County for the trial and to give our testimonies. I started sobbing as my parents drove me past the courthouse. Looking into the eyes of a man who killed one of your closest friends is something I’d wish on no one. But, once again, as soon as I saw Ted, I was comforted. We were greeted with hugs from Ted’s wife, Alecia, and arrived at our hotel room to find flowers from Ted and his team. The night before the trial began, Ted took more than hour out of that extremely hectic day to meet us at the hotel and answer all our questions.
I wish I could put in words how appreciative I am to Ted and his team for bringing justice to Hannah. But, what I’m even more grateful for is the true compassion and commitment they put in each day to ensure she was honored in every way she deserved to be.
Eight months after the verdict was read, at our annual event in Chicago celebrating Hannah’s life, I was moved to tears when I saw a pair of names on the guest list: Ted and Alecia Adams. That night, Ted received a thunderous standing ovation from a room of 450-plus people.
I only have positive things to say about Ted Adams and I cannot imagine going through all this without him at the helm. He is qualified, he is intelligent, he is competent, he is savvy, he is passionate, and most importantly, he truly cares.
I always say this world needs more Hannahs. The world — and the justice system — also needs more Teds.
People of Brown County: As you head to the polls this fall, please vote for Ted for Brown County prosecutor. If I’m sure of anything, it’s that he won’t let you down.
Allison Eschbach, Chicago
