FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JULY 4th INTOXICATION MANSLAUGHTER DEFENDANT
SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN PRISON

San Antonio, Texas: June 1, 2011

Marcos Ramirez, age 25, was sentenced today by 437th District Court Judge Lori I. Valenzuela to 15 years in prison for causing the death of Lisa McGarity-Hodges, age 48. Additionally, Judge Valenzuela made an affirmative finding that Ramirez’ vehicle was a deadly weapon. Ramirez pled to the charge of Intoxication Manslaughter on April 27, 2011, pursuant to a plea agreement with a maximum term of 15 years. Intoxication Manslaughter is a second degree felony and carries a punishment range of 2 to 20 years and up to a $10,000.00 fine.

These charges arise from a collision on July 4, 2009, at 6:29 p.m., in the westbound lanes in the 3100 block of S.W. Loop 410. Ramirez, who was observed driving aggressively, bumped the side of Mrs. McGarity-Hodges’ vehicle as he was driving too close to her vehicle. This collision caused both vehicles to lose control and cross the center median. Mrs. McGarity-Hodges’ vehicle entered the eastbound lanes and was hit by third vehicle causing a chain reaction, involving two more vehicles. Mrs. McGarity-Hodges died at the hospital from her injuries.

For more information, contact Charles Rich, Chief DWI Task Force, at 335-2308.