Murder by DWI
Harris County prosecutors obtained a felony murder conviction, using the underlying felony DWI to make the case. For a newspaper report, go to
murder article.
It's interesting that this conviction should arise at a time that a bill is being considered by the Legislature to take away the deadly weapon finding in DWI cases (see other thread on
HB 1289).
By the way, there also is a bill filed that would accomplish a felony murder punishment range by obtaining an intoxication manslaughter conviction. It is filed as
HB 549.
I thought it was interesting that the criminal defense attorney was concerned that the jury indicated they had no problem holding the defendant criminally responsible for a murder. Perhaps we are turning the corner on public opinion on these dangerous drunk driving cases. Now the Legislature needs to get the same message.
March 24, 2003, 16:55
Gordon LeMaireThe defense also stated that IF his client had been sober it would have been a civil case. He's right, but his client was drunk as the proverbial skunk.
Congratulations to Warrn Diepram (sorry if i misspelled) and the Houston DA's office.