A Vancouver driver who struck two pedestrians in a hit-and-run, which later resulted in a man’s death, was sentenced Friday to five years in prison.
Ernesto Estrada-Tapia, 25, pleaded guilty last month in Clark County Superior Court to vehicular homicide while driving in a reckless manner, hit-and-run resulting in death and driving while under the influence. One of the two victims, 27-year-old Christian Walton of Vancouver, died about two weeks later following complications from his injuries.
Walton was walking with his girlfriend, Nicole Bricker, on a sidewalk about 7 p.m. Jan. 11 when they were struck by a hit-and-run driver in the 11300 block of Southeast 10th Street. They were returning home, carrying groceries when Bricker saw a car traveling toward them west on 10th Street. She told authorities the vehicle was speeding, and the driver lost control on the icy and snowy road, according to an affidavit of probable cause.
Before she could warn Walton, the vehicle struck both of them on the left sides of their bodies, and they were thrown to the ground. The car did not stop and continued traveling west. Walton got up and started running after it but was unable to catch up, the affidavit said.
Family members later drove Walton and Bricker to a hospital, where they were treated and released. Bricker suffered a hematoma on her left thigh and leg. Several days later, Walton’s left ankle, calf and leg began to swell. He went to a rehabilitation facility in Portland for treatment, court documents state.
But after Walton’s second appointment Jan. 27, he came home in a lot of pain. He began grimacing and clutching his chest, Bricker said, and when he stood up, he collapsed to the floor, according to court records. First responders were unable to resuscitate him.
The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office determined he ultimately died from a blood clot, caused by blunt leg trauma.
Estrada-Tapia was arrested nearly a month after the crash. Investigators learned he was driving his then-girlfriend’s black 2008 Ford Focus, without her permission, when he struck the couple. She told detectives that Estrada-Tapia had been drinking with her and their roommates on the night of Jan 11, and that after he took her car, he called her “freaking out” and was obviously intoxicated, the affidavit states.
On Friday, Walton’s mother sobbed as she told the judge about her son and implored him to give Estrada-Tapia the maximum possible sentence — 61 months.
“He was a selfless human being who put everyone’s needs before his own. He wanted to be a police officer. Your honor, my son would have made you proud,” she said. “This was a hit-and-run that robbed my son’s life.” She held up a photo of Walton for the judge to see afterward.
Bricker also addressed the court, while a victim advocate held a photo collage of the couple. Bricker said that Estrada-Tapia made a horrible choice, and they were left picking up the pieces.
“I thought the worst was over, but I couldn’t have been more wrong,” she said, adding that Walton later died in her arms as she tried to save him. “I have never felt so heartbroken and helpless in my entire life.”
Senior Deputy Prosecutor Kasey Vu told the judge he can’t put into words the pain that Estrada-Tapia caused. He and Estrada-Tapia’s attorney, Erin McAleer, reached a joint sentencing recommendation of five years in prison.
McAleer said that Walton’s death is something his client will have to live with his entire life and that he is deeply remorseful.
“I am terribly, terribly sorry,” Estrada-Tapia said as he turned to face Walton’s mother and Bricker. He told them he wished he could go back and change what happened.
After taking a brief recess, Judge Derek Vanderwood agreed to follow the attorneys’ recommendation.
