In a tragic incident that occurred in 2022, Lavillia Chantael Spry, a resident of Houston, was found guilty of causing the death of a Harris County sheriff’s deputy due to drunk driving. As a result, she has been sentenced to 43 years in prison. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence.
Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced on Thursday that a 42-year-old individual has been found guilty of intoxication manslaughter of a peace officer after a thorough week-long trial.
On January 24, 2022, Sergeant. Ramon Gutierrez, a 45-year-old deputy, was fulfilling his duties as a motorcycle escort during an off-duty job. He had been assisting a truck carrying a heavy load on the East Beltway feeder road near Tidwell in northeast Harris County.
As Gutierrez stood beside his bike to block an exit ramp, Spry, who was driving under the influence, proceeded to maneuver around his bike and collided with him. She startled everyone by fleeing the scene instead of stopping, but another deputy quickly caught her.
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“This tragic incident was not a mere accident. It is important to acknowledge that driving under the influence is a conscious decision, and causing harm to someone while driving drunk is an outcome that can be anticipated.
Hence, it is crucial to emphasize that this devastating loss of Ramon Gutierrez’s life could have been avoided if the responsible individual had opted for a different course of action. District Attorney Ogg aptly expresses, ‘Ramon Gutierrez could still be alive today, cherishing precious moments with his loved ones, had she chosen differently.'”
During the trial, Assistant District Attorney Lauren Bard characterized Spry’s actions as reckless, highlighting that she had spent the entire night indulging in alcoholic beverages without any intention other than to drive home afterward.
Bard emphasized the multitude of choices available to Spry, such as calling a cab, reaching out to a friend, or utilizing ride-sharing services like Uber. Bard firmly stated, “There are numerous options that don’t involve jeopardizing your own life and the lives of countless others. It’s crucial to make responsible decisions that won’t have devastating consequences.”
Gutierrez, a law enforcement veteran with 20 years of experience, left a lasting impact on his family and colleagues. He was married to his high school sweetheart and had three children. Gutierrez’s dedication to investigating and prosecuting drunk driving fatalities was highly commendable. In court, Alfred Gutierrez, the victim’s oldest son, expressed his gratitude that justice was served and emphasized that his father would always be remembered as a true hero.
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The jury handed down a sentence of 43 years in prison to Spry. To be eligible for parole, she must serve a minimum of 21 years and six months.
Bard, the division chief in charge of the Vehicle Crimes Division of the DA’s Office, teamed up with ADA Cameron Calligan, the division chief of the Organized Crime Division, to prosecute Spry.