A mother who lost her son in a deadly Farmington crash says she hopes his story will help prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreak.
The woman accused of hitting and killing 31-year-old Justin Gittings is scheduled to be sentenced Thursday in Hartford Superior Court.
Beth Politis said no court outcome can undo the loss her family has endured.
“I go to court tomorrow with nothing,” Politis said. “No one calling me mom. And no matter what happens in court tomorrow, I leave there with no one calling me mom.”
Gittings, of Meriden, was an Eagle Scout, truck driver, and motorcyclist whose family says he was always willing to help others.
According to investigators, Gittings was riding with friends on Waterville Road in Farmington on Aug. 20, 2024, when Anngelina Morton crossed the double yellow line, killing Gittings and seriously injuring two other riders.
“The loss of Justin has created a huge void for a lot of people,” Politis said.
According to Morton’s arrest warrant, she told police something appeared on a screen inside her vehicle, causing her to look away from the road moments before the crash.
Police said Morton later told investigators, “I looked at it for a second, then everything happened. Why did I even have to glance down?”
As sentencing approaches, Politis says she wants people to remember who her son was beyond the circumstances of his death.
“Justin was not just a biker,” she said. “He carried two toolkits with him because if someone he was riding with had a problem, or they came across someone who needed help, he wanted to be ready.”
Today, Politis is also caring for Justin’s dog, Piper. She said the dog still becomes excited whenever she hears a tractor-trailer or Harley-Davidson nearby, as if she’s waiting for Justin to return home.
“I don’t know what’s worse, her forever waiting for him to come back or me knowing he never will,” Politis said.
Justin worked in the trucking industry, where his mother says coworkers became an extended family. After his death, dozens of trucks participated in a convoy in his honor, and hundreds attended his funeral.
“He was one of those people that you may not know right now, but you know them by the end of the day,” Politis said.
Now, Politis wears a shirt bearing her son’s photo and the words “Distracted Driving Kills.” She says her mission is to raise awareness and prevent similar tragedies.
“It’s resulting in so many deaths, not just the death of my son, but DOT workers, first responders and police officers,” she said.
While her family prepares to return to court, Politis says she remains focused on moving forward while continuing to grieve.
“The most difficult thing we ever do in our life is accepting things we can’t change,” she said.
Morton is scheduled to be sentenced Thursday at 2 p.m. in Hartford Superior Court. Her attorney told NBC Connecticut it will be a difficult day for the judge and everyone involved.
