Man Gets 30 Years For Causing Deadly Wreck, Leaving Scene
TARRANT COUNTY (CBSDFW.COM) - A 23-year-old Arlington man is heading to prison for a drunk driving wreck that killed his friend in 2012.
During the trail prosecutors presented evidence that Ashlee Straker was high on alcohol, marijuana and Xanax when he caused a one-car rollover wreck. Straker was driving two of his friends, Lokuekim "Jessy" Kipasa and Donte Pierce, home from a party. Kipasa was killed in the crash and Pierce was severely injured.
After the crash Straker left the scene and caught a ride home from a passerby without helping his injured friends.
"Mr. Straker's decision to drink, indulge in drugs and drive has left an indelible mark on the families of Jessy Kipasa and Donte Pierce," said Assistant District Attorney Tiffany Burks. "We hope this verdict gives those families some peace and closure."
Thursday, a Tarrant Count jury deliberated less than four hours before convicting Straker of one count of intoxication manslaughter and one count of failure to stop and render aid in the death of Kipasa. He was also convicted of one count of intoxication assault and one count of failure to stop and ren- der aid for the injuries to Pierce.
Instead of having that same jury assess his punishment, Straker chose to let a judge do it. Judge Catalano sentenced him to 30 years on the intoxication manslaughter charge and 20 years in prison on the other three counts. The sentences will run concurrently.
It will be 15 years before Straker is eligible for parole.
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