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Woman sentenced 10 years in prison for killing Baylor band member in hit-and-run

The deadly hit-and-run occurred back in October 2016.

WACO, Texas — A McLennan County judge has sentenced 56-year-old Tammy Blankenship to 10 years in prison for killing David Grotberg in a hit-and-run back in October 2016. 

"This case has always been about justice for David and accountability for Tammy Blankenship," said McLennan County District Attorney Josh Tetens. "The jury’s verdicts of guilty and 10 years with a deadly weapon finding have achieved those goals and we are so grateful for the jurors’ service."

The jury unanimously decided her fate hours after hearing testimony from multiple members of the Grotberg family was heard in court on Friday, Feb. 9. 

David Grotberg's mother, Diane Grotberg, explained what it was like the night she found out her son had been killed in a hit-and-run. Diane Grotberg said she screamed when the sheriff told her the harrowing news. 

Diane Grotberg described her son as an incredibly charismatic and amazing person. She said he was bright, smart and incredibly social. 

David Grotberg's mother says the last eight years without him have been really sad as she's reminded at each big event that he is no longer with them. 

Former Austin Police Officer Mike Murray also provided testimony as he was someone that reviewed a traffic stop which led to Blankenship's arrest for DWI in 2018. 

According to Murray, Blankenship had been driving the wrong way on a one way, heading into traffic around 12:30 a.m. one night. 

Murray says officers determined Blankenship was drunk and she was arrested that night. However, the case was dismissed and knocked down to a Class C Misdemeanor traffic ticket. 

Murray explained how he was upset that the DWI charge was brought down and criticized Travis County for being consistently lenient on dwindling cases. 

On Thursday, a McLennan County jury found Blankenship guilty of two second-degree felonies: Failure to stop and render aid and Manslaughter. Both of these charges carry a punishment of two to 20 years in prison. 

Blankenship was arrested in 2019 and charged with failure to stop and render aid causing death, she was originally booked in the McLennan County Jail. 

The hit-and-run took place in the 3200 block of Franklin Avenue on Oct. 6, 2016. Grotberg, a popular member of the Baylor University Golden Wave Marching Band, was on a bike ride with his girlfriend when he was hit, she was not injured. 

The jury decided on Friday that Blankenship will serve 10 years for Count 1 and 10 years for Count 2, but concurrently.

"We're glad she's going to jail and we hope the time there is a time of healing for her (Blankenship)," Diane Grotberg said.

"It's been a very long haul...I think 10 years is quite merciful and will be the time for her to get her life right," Clark Grotberg added.

Both parents went on to speak to David Grotberg's religious beliefs and how he lead his life with God. They said they believe if he were here today, he would wrap his arms around Blankenship.

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