TERRELL, Texas — Yesterday, a Terrell woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash in 2017.
On January 22, 2019, 33-year-old Dolores Fuentes pled guilty to accident involving death in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash on March 30, 2017, that left Ginnie Madden, also of Terrell, dead.
During a two-day punishment phase of the trail that began on Monday, prosecutors told jurors Fuentes struck Madden on U.S. Highway 80, fled the scene, and then hid her vehicle in her garage.
Terrell Police Department investigators were able to determine the make and model of the suspect vehicle in the case and asked for the public's assistance locating and identifying the driver. Within hours, investigators were led to Fuente's residence where they observed her vehicle parked in her garage.
"Testimony during the punishment phase of the trial showed that Fuentes intentionally lied to the officers, denying her involvement in the crash, even blaming the registered owner of the vehicle, her ex-boyfriend, for the crime," stated Terrell Police Department Captain A.D. Sansom. "Only when it was found that her story was falling apart, did Fuentes admit to being the driver."
While out on bond and awaiting trial, Fuentes was arrested during a June 2017 drug raid and charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana, both in a drug free zone. Her bond was forfeited and she awaited trial behind bars.
Following the two-day punishment phase, Kaufman County Court at Law Judge Bobby Rich sentenced Fuentes to 10 years in the Texas Department of Corrections and imposed a $5,000 fine.
"The Madden family was present during the punishment phase of the case and was pleased with the outcome," stated Sansom.
