For those that knew her, Ariell Gipson was full of life and she brought smiles to those around her. She graduated from Cajon High School with her BFF, Vanessa. She took part in color guard and choir during her time there. Gipson was a recent graduate of Summit College where she had just passed her state exam for her LVN. Her plans were to continue with school and further her education with her RN. She was engaged to the love of her life, Benjamin, and had a family that adored her.
Unfortunately, this young, inspiring woman was taken before she had the chance to fulfill her dreams. On the morning of Saturday June 3rd, 2017 Ariell Gipson was sitting at a red light behind a Sheriff’s transportation van at H and Fifth street in San Bernardino. The truck driven by the suspect came speeding up from behind and crashed into Gipson’s vehicle causing her to crash into the transportation van.
Toddella Brown, Ariell’s mother, lost her child that day and her heart was broken. She was angry, with the driver and with herself for allowing Ariell to make such a late trip to the gym. But, she turned to her faith in this trying time and she prayed to God. Asking Him for guidance and strength. The guidance on how to deal with what was in front of her and for the strength to forgive and not hold hate in her heart.
It is every mother’s worst nightmare. To receive the call that their child has been hurt. Even worse, that her child may not survive. After Ariell’s passing the suspect requested to speak with Brown, in which she agreed to a meeting. It was in this meeting that the suspect showed his remorse and asked for forgiveness from Brown for what he had done. He had also asked if she could let Gipson’s father and fiance, Benjamin know that he was sorry for his actions.
It is because of what has happened with Gipson that Brown was inspired by her daughter and her faith to move into action with Ariell’s Law.
Brown wants to bring awareness to the way the bail system is set up. The suspect that killed Gipson had his bail posted in less than 24 hours of his arrest. Brown stated that she wants Ariell’s Law to, “protect the public from coming into contact with the suspect after committing any crime that has caused an individual to be placed in a position where they are required to fight for their life.” Ariell’s Law will make it so that suspects are not given bail immediately if their victim is in a critical condition. Instead, it will deny them the immediate bail opportunity and require them to stay for at least 72 hours, pending the medical condition of the victim. She wants this law to to effective not only in California, but all around the US.
Ariell’s life was taken at a young age, but she was celebrated. The family did a celebration for her at the Forest Law Cypress Cemetery. Her celebration can be viewed on the Forest Lawn’s website at www.forestlawn.com.
Brown has spoken with the State Assembly’s office about the process it would take for the law to become in effect. She would like for the public’s assistance with this as well. If you have information you would like to share with her or to show her support for this you can reach her at Toddella Brown P.O. Box 18574 Long Beach, CA, 90807.