Sherita Thomas, the woman who recently pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter for her role in the 2017 hit and run death of Stephanie Wagner, appeared in Christian Circuit Court for final sentencing Wednesday.
Thomas was originally charged with murder, but it was amended to second-degree manslaughter in a plea deal that comes with a recommended 10 year sentence. She also pleaded guilty to DUI, tampering with evidence and leaving the scene of an accident.
Thomas spoke to the family of Wagner, who were present in the courtroom for the sentencing, saying that she is truly sorry for what happened and it haunts her every day.
Defense attorney Leland Hulbert requested for Thomas to be given probation, to more freely seek out treatment programs for her alcohol addiction. Circuit Judge Andrew Self told Thomas that he appreciates the support she’s received from many in the community, but to set probation would be inappropriate due to the loss of a life.
Self sentenced Thomas to 10 years in prison, giving her credit for time already served. Thomas struck Wagner with her vehicle as Wagner was leaning against the back of a legally parked car on East Fourth Street in July of 2017, according to the original Hopkinsville Police Department report. She then fled the scene before hiding her truck in a garage. She was later located and determined to be extremely impaired.