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COLUMBUS — A state district judge Tuesday denied a 55-yearold man’s bid for early release after spending only five months of a 10-year sentence behind bars in a fatal drunk-driving accident.
James Lockett had filed a motion for “shock probation” after pleading guilty to a charge of intoxication manslaughter Feb. 7.
The Tuesday hearing took place before 25th state District Court Judge William D. Old III.
The news of Lockett’s hearing came as a shock to the family of the victim Ernest Charles Jones, who was best known to his loved ones as “Charlie.”
“The personal turmoil was a high cost for the family and he (Jones) was at the center of everything,” said daughter Kelly Gross, who attended the hearing.
Jones, 73, of Galveston, was killed Jan. 26 while traveling on FM 102 near FM 949, also known as Ramsey Road.
According to reports, Lockett drove a pickup north on 102 and began to negotiate a curve when the truck moved into the southbound lane, colliding with a Chevrolet driven by Jones.
Jones died in the wake of the accident and Lockett, who suffered injuries, subsequently stood trial on a charge of intoxication manslaughter, according to reports.
According to legal analysts, a defendant can request shock probation within about four months of a conviction, but courts usually deny the motion if it’s found a deadly weapon — including a vehicle — was used in the incident.
Officials said Lockett is being remanded to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to finish serving his prison sentence.
