TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (KUTV) — Halloween marks three years since a tragic night that changed two families forever when trick-or-treating children were hit by a car.

In October 2021, friends Karl Finch and Spencer Wall were out and about in Taylorsville when a driver hit them in a crosswalk. Karl was killed, while Spencer, although seriously injured, survived.

KUTV spoke with Spencer’s mother about that devastating Halloween night and their ongoing fight for justice.

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The intersection of 2700 West and Matterhorn Drive is where Karl and Spencer were hit that night on October 30, 2021.

Three years later, Spencer’s mother said both families are still fighting not only for justice, but for meaningful change.

Cary Wall recalls the harrowing moments after the crash: “We had to park our car on the side of the road and run down to try to get to where Spencer was. I could hear him screaming.”

While the memory of that night continues to haunt her, Walls expressed her frustration at the lack of accountability.

In 2022, she said Salt Lake District Attorney Sim Gill chose not to file criminal charges against the driver, who was impaired and driving with a suspended license. After the driver was prosecuted, Walls said the city unknowingly settled with him.

When asked if he ever spoke to the driver, Wall said: “No, he never said a word to us. No apologies, no acknowledgment. I only saw him once in court.”

Following the accident, the city upgraded the crosswalk where the boys were hit. However, Wall questions the timing of these changes.

“A pedestrian crossing was then moved to another part of the street and given flashing lights when children cross. I sure wish I had been there before,” she said.

Both families believe Utah’s laws favor drivers over pedestrians.

Wall explained, “Because he was going under the speed limit, even though he didn’t stop and hit the guys full force, his citation failed to yield to a pedestrian in the crosswalk. That’s what he got for hitting two kids – killing one and seriously injuring another.”

Although the Walls have not filed a lawsuit against the driver, they are taking legal action against the city and county. Their message is clear: Crosswalks need to be made safer before tragedy, not after.

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