After crash kills mom of 3, family seeks justice

Audra Lynn Battle's family is seeking justice after she was killed in a car accident in Edgecombe County last week.

Battle, 37, was killed in an April 13 accident after 48-year-old Stephanie Walkup allegedly crossed the center line on U.S. 64 Alternate in the Heartsease community.

"Somebody has got to be held accountable for what happened to my mom because she was innocent," Deontae Battle, Lynn's 18-year-old son, told WRAL.

An accident report says Walkup, who is charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and driving left of center,  hit several cars after crossing the center lane. Highway Patrol officers don't believe alcohol was a factor.

Jameka Battle, Lynn's sister, says her baby sister left behind three children, including daughters ages 13 and 14.

"We want justice for my sister - we need justice for my sister," Jameka said.

The family says more than 150 cars showed up to a drive-through vigil at the site on Friday night. Battle's funeral services will be held this Thursday in Rocky Mount.

"Please love your mom while you can because I swear you don't know what you've got until it's gone. I promise you," Deontae told WRAL. "That pain - I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. This pain - is something so serious and what makes it worse is not having answers."