Houston woman receives 43-year sentence for deputy's death in DUI case

A Houston woman has been sentenced to 43 years in prison for the death of a Harris County sheriff’s deputy, as announced by Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg. The incident occurred in 2022 when Lavillia Chantael Spry, aged 42, drove drunk and killed Sgt. Ramon Gutierrez.

"This was not an accident," stated Ogg. "Driving drunk is not an accident, and killing someone while driving drunk is a predictable consequence; therefore, it could have been prevented."

Spry was convicted of intoxication manslaughter of a peace officer after a seven-day trial. The jury found her guilty of causing the death of Gutierrez on January 24, 2022. At the time, Gutierrez was performing an off-duty job as a motorcycle escort on the East Beltway feeder road near Tidwell in northeast Harris County.

Gutierrez was off his motorcycle blocking an exit ramp when Spry bypassed his bike and struck him. She fled the scene but was later apprehended by another deputy.

Following her conviction, jurors deliberated during the punishment phase and decided on a 43-year prison sentence for Spry. Family members of Gutierrez provided victim impact statements about their loss during this phase.

"We’re just happy that justice was served and my father will be remembered for the hero that he was," said Alfred Gutierrez, the victim's oldest son.

The prosecution team included Assistant District Attorney Lauren Bard from the Vehicular Crimes Division and ADA Cameron Calligan from the Organized Crime Division.

"She went out to the bar that night, knowing she was driving her car, and made zero plans to do anything other than have drink after drink after drink and drive home," Bard commented. "We have so many other choices and options."

Bard also highlighted that Harris County leads in drunken driving fatalities nationwide. Ironically, Gutierrez had been part of a law enforcement team focused on investigating such incidents.

Spry must serve at least half of her sentence — 21 years and six months — before being eligible for parole.