RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – In April 2025, a fatal two-car crash on the Coalfields Expressway claimed the life of Baylea Bower.
Bower’s family and friends gathered in solidarity outside the Raleigh County Courthouse on August 6th to get Justice for Baylea.
While the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office and Prosecuting Attorney Tom Truman both say they understand the unimaginable pain and concerns of Bower’s loved ones, they must conduct a thorough investigation before making any arrests.
The lack of communication and progress on her case speaks volumes, Bower’s best friend says.
“To know Baylea was to love her. Baylea lived a full life in her 24 years, and anybody who met Baylea remembered Baylea; she made a lasting impact,” said Katlyn Hawkins, co-owner of (coffee shop boutique) The Boon. “It hits so close to home because we want justice for Baylea, and she deserves that.”
A free spirit, Bower inspired all who knew her.
“You can see by the people here and who have rallied behind her, she was an extremely loved and valued person and still is,” Sister-in-Law Amanda Craig said.
Bower’s loved ones say maybe law enforcement is working behind the scenes. So they question why justice is not being served.
“What’s the issue with why it’s taking so long?” wondered Hawkins. “We know facts and there’s hard evidence. By justice, we mean that she (Destany Lester) needs to pay for her crimes in prison.”
The lack of resolution in Bower’s case has left everyone with more heartache and trauma, they tell me, when they just want to grieve and process their irreparable loss.
“We’re still unable to do that with everything going on and the injustice we’re facing,” Craig said. “Seeing the girl who caused this out living her life while we’re at home, devastated, has been like a gut punch every day.”
Powerlessness feelings can take hold before a perpetrator is held accountable.
“There’s a lot of emotion. Everybody’s confused,” said Hawkins. “We want answers. Baylea’s family deserves answers.”
Bower’s sister-in-law says they all want the Raleigh County Sheriff’s office to prioritize her case.
“It’s too often you see cases like this with nothing ever happening and drunk drivers getting off the hook free,” Craig said. “We’re not going to let that happen. We’re going to keep fighting for justice until justice is served, and we won’t let our voices be silenced.”
