GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A Gaston County woman was arrested in July 2010 for driving drunk with her 5-month-old child in the car.
Three weeks later, a drunken driver, with several driving while intoxicated convictions, killed Tasha Fortenberry’s cousin, 17-year-old Laura Fortenberry, in a crash. Tasha Fortenberry pushed for tougher punishments for repeat offenders.
Less than a year later, Tasha Fortenberry watched as a bill named for her cousin was signed into law.
Since then, Channel 9 discovered Tasha Fortenberry was arrested for DWI four times – in May, August and September in Cleveland County and last Friday in Gaston County.
Tasha Fortenberry's mother told Eyewitness News it's hard to believe her daughter has four DWI charges in five months.
She said she loves her daughter, but "she has nobody to blame but herself."
Outrage after Laura Fortenberry's death led to new laws that could mean, if convicted, Tasha Fortenberry faces mandatory prison time.
"I hate it, but it might be the best thing," her mother said.
Drivers were stunned when Channel 9 told them what it learned about Tasha Fortenbury.
"If I had one of my friends or somebody that was killed like that I wouldn't drink another drop,” said Phil Lindsay.
A few weeks before Laura Fortenbury's fatal crash, police charged Tasha Fortenberry with a DWI while she had her 5-month-old son in the car.
Fortenberry's mother says after Laura Fortenberry was killed, Tasha Fortenberry vowed to not drink and drive.
Police said she did not stick to that.
"It doesn't keep the person from driving," said District Attorney Locke Bell.
Bell said the law is only effective as a deterrent if the offender fears punishment.
"We have some who don't understand the consequences and others who don't care," Bell said.
Tasha Fortenberry has no DWI convictions.
Under Laura's Law, she would have to be convicted of three of her four DWIs before she faces a mandatory prison sentence for the fourth conviction.
Howard Pasour, the man accused of hitting and killing Laura Fortenberry, is serving more than 20 years in prison.
Laura Fortenberry’s mother sued him and his parents. She claims they knew he had been convicted of three DWIs, but still helped him buy a car and insure it.