Woman's Death May Motivate City To Change McKinney Avenue

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DALLAS (CBS11) - The family of 34-year-old Emily Javadi who was killed a year ago will gather at the Kessler Theater in Oak Cliff Thursday night to raise money for the charity in her name.

"It's bringing together all of her friends and family because we haven't been reunited since this tragedy happened," said Javadi's mother Karen.

Javadi's parents, family and friends were devastated in February 2015 after Travis Elwell allegedly drove drunk and slammed his vehicle into her parked car while she was reaching in to get something.

Travis Elwell (Dallas Police Dept.)

The crash happened along McKinney Avenue at Elizabeth Street next to Cole Park where Javadi was preparing to exercise.

Residents have complained about speeders along the stretch of McKinney Avenue.

Mrs. Javadi agreed. "Nothing has changed, nothing. People are still speeding down the street."

But Dallas City Councilman Philip Kingston said change may soon be coming. He said Javadi's tragic death touched him. Kingston represents the area and said the city will be studying whether to turn the part of McKinney Avenue through Knox Street into a two way street and make it easier for pedestrians and bicyclists.

"I anticipate that process will be supported by the neighbors and therefore, will be successful," said Kingston. "That will slow traffic, making the street not only safer, but also better for retail development."

Kingston said he hopes the city council will vote to make the changes by the end of the year.

Javadi's parents want that to happen.

For now, they're hoping to raise money for their charity by selling Emily's artwork and paintings made in her honor.

"Her friends will not let her memory die," said Javadi's father Michael.

The foundation established a scholarship at UNT's business school, where she graduated and has given money to Big Brothers-Big Sisters, and programs promoting the arts and health.

"She touched so many lives and you wonder as a parent, you think you've done a good job and then you see them grow up and see the fine people they become and she became such a fine person," said Karen Javadi.

Elwell posted the $50,000 bond and is awaiting trial. He is scheduled to appear in court next Wednesday.

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