Man is handed 48-year sentence
Linda Stewart
For the Wichita Times Record News
VERNON (Special) - David Hamilton, 31, of Vernon, entered a guilty plea Monday in 46th District Court to a charge of intoxication manslaughter. He was sentenced to 48 years in prison by Judge Dan Mike Bird.
Hamilton was arrested May 30, 2009. He was originally charged with intoxication manslaughter. Authorities believed he was operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and struck and killed Jordan Eli Ramirez, 24, also of Vernon.
The Wilbarger County District Attorney's office changed the charge and Hamilton was indicted on a charge of murder in July of 2009. However, a plea arrangement resulted in Hamilton pleading guilty to the original charge, according to District Attorney Staley Heatly.
"The punishment received by Hamilton has the same effect as if he were found guilty of murder," Heatly said. Because there was an affirmative finding of use of a deadly weapon, Hamilton will have to serve at least half of his sentence before he will be considered for a parole.
