GRESHAM, Ore. (KPTV/Gray News) — For the family of an Oregon couple killed in a June car crash, the recent arrest of a suspect has brought a small measure of justice, but no sense of closure.
Eyasu Bedasso, 22, was indicted on October 31 and arrested last week in connection with the crash that claimed the lives of Theresa and Robert Heick. According to the Gresham Police Department, Bedasso faces two counts of second-degree manslaughter, two counts of criminally negligent homicide, and reckless driving.
The crash happened on June 16 along Southwest Towle Avenue. Police say Bedasso was driving an SUV when it collided with the couple’s car. Theresa Heick, 69, who was behind the wheel, died at the scene, while her husband, 79-year-old Robert Heick, succumbed to his injuries later at the hospital.
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Family members of the Heicks gathered near the crash site on Friday, where a small memorial has been set up to honor the couple. Flowers, photos, and candles mark the spot where their lives were tragically cut short.
“This tragedy didn’t have to happen,” said the Heicks’ nephew, Mikal Murray. “They meant everything to our family. Their kindness and involvement were felt by everyone they met.”
Murray and his cousin, Tara Ivie, described Theresa and Robert as loving and dependable — more like parents than relatives. They were always the first to check in on family and friends, always showing up when someone needed help.
Ivie recalled the deep grief that followed the crash, saying she struggled to process losing both of them within days. “I remember feeling that grief for my aunt and wondering how we would move forward without her,” Ivie said. “Then my uncle passed, and I didn’t even know how to begin.”
To make matters worse, the family said they were left without answers for months. They didn’t receive updates from investigators and only learned about the charges and arrest when the news was made public.
“It’s been hard,” Murray said. “We didn’t know anything for so long. Then to hear everything today—it just brought all the pain back.”
According to investigators, evidence from the crash — including surveillance footage and data from Bedasso’s SUV — revealed that he was driving more than 80 miles per hour in a 35 mph zone. Police said impairment was not a factor in the crash, but the excessive speed was enough to cause the deadly impact.
“I wanted to believe this was just an accident, something that couldn’t be helped,” Murray said. “But when I heard about the speed, that’s when the anger really hit me. It didn’t have to happen.”
Adding to the family’s frustration is the fact that Bedasso’s bond was set at $10,000. Court records show he posted just 10% — $1,000 — and was released the same day.
“He gets to spend the holidays with his family, and we don’t,” Ivie said, fighting back tears. “It just doesn’t feel right.”
Bedasso has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is due back in court on December 19.
As the case moves forward, the Heick family says they are focusing on two things: seeking justice and making change. They are calling on Gresham city officials to install new safety measures near the intersection where the crash occurred, hoping to prevent future tragedies.
“We have two things left — justice and change,” Murray said firmly. “That’s what we can do for them now.”
For those who knew Theresa and Robert, the loss continues to ripple through their community. The couple were remembered as generous, hardworking, and deeply devoted to one another. Neighbors described them as the kind of people who always waved hello and offered help without being asked.
“They were partners in everything,” Ivie said softly. “It’s heartbreaking that their lives ended this way, but we’ll keep their memory alive. They deserve that.”
As candles flickered at the roadside memorial Friday night, the family stood together — united by grief, anger, and determination. For them, the arrest marks only the beginning of a long road toward healing and accountability.
“This isn’t over,” Murray said. “Nothing can bring them back, but if we can save even one life by making this area safer, that’s how we’ll honor them.”
