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Central Texas Woman Sentenced In DWI Death Save Email Print
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(July 28, 2008)—Christina Drake, 25, of Bellmead, was sentenced to eight years in prison Monday after pleading guilty to intoxication manslaughter in the death of a friend whom she ran over as she tried to pick up him after he got out of her car.

Because her vehicle was ruled a deadly weapon, she will have to serve at least half of the prison sentence before she is eligible for parole.

The charge stems from the July death of Robert Balderama, 31, of Waco, who was struck and killed as he walked along the shoulder of FM 2311 near Leroy in rural McLennan County.

Investigators say Balderama had gotten out of the car, in which he had been riding with his common law wife and Drake, after an argument.

Drake was indicted in September by the same McLennan County Grand Jury that indicted
Douglas Howard Church, 26, of West for intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault in a head-on collision on Aug. 11, 2006 on Tours Road north of Waco that killed Debbie French and seriously injured her three young children.

French died when her truck was hit by another truck that had veered into her lane.

Church pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault last Monday in the same courtroom where Drake was sentenced..

On Thursday, a jury sentenced him to 30 years in prison.

On July 9, a jury in the same court sentenced Lacey Leann Kutscherousky, 18, of West, to two years in prison and a $2,500 fine after she pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter in an March 2007 accident that killed her cousin, 19-year-old Ashton Marek, a Texas A&M freshman who had come home for a visit.

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Posted by: Mommy Location: Waco on Sep 11, 2008 at 10:15 PM
I wish people wouldn't have to make a huge mistake like that before they learn not to do things like that. Be responsible, if you want to drink... have a designated driver.. if you aren't responsible enough to do that then what the hell are you doing drinking at all? I hate to see families who are careful when they drive suffer by those who don't give a ****!
Posted by: West Oldtimer Location: West on Aug 1, 2008 at 09:11 AM
The other West comments were more than likely totally removed as a result of the Ford place in West's lawyer objecting to negative but truthful comments about the Ford place, nothing to do with the comments about West drinking and driving...also the powers that be in West would not like two longtime West traditions & moneymakers--West Rodeo & Westfest--being trashed as they are coming up soon. More West drinking and driving.Money and lawyers talk loudly & usually get results they want. Unless you drink & drive & kill someone. Then you should do the time if you did the crime.
Posted by: tired of this Location: Lorena on Jul 31, 2008 at 10:13 PM
oh wow... you people crack me up.... its over and done with sheeeesh.... give it a rest.... bashing or n ot bashing... leave it alone already
Posted by: Me Location: Central Texas on Jul 30, 2008 at 03:21 PM
High educated, your comment is pathetically "highly uneducated". The only people who are jealous of each other are in West. You all made that very clear on the Lacey story. I've been reading the news here a long time. I've never seen over 400 comments where 90% were West residents slandering each other. It was so horrible that KWTX had to take off all comments. And I've never seen them do that either! More people LEAVE West than move there. So go drink another one and wish away. Btw, were you the English at WestFest puking in a trash can?
Posted by: Michael Location: Gholson on Jul 30, 2008 at 01:23 PM
"Posted by: RYAN WEST Location: WEST on Jul 29, 2008 at 07:06 AM TO MICHAEL IN GHOLSON. SHE GOT SHE DESERVED. YEAH. I THINK LACY SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN THE SAME 30 YEAR SENTANCE. MAN, ITS AN EPPADEMIC IN WEST. ITS ALMOST A GAME WITH THESE PEOPLE. SEE HOW MUCH THEY CAN DRINK AND DRIVE BEFORE SOMEONE DIES. THEY REALLY DONT CARE." What in the world does this have to do with my comment about bashing Bellmead like y'all did West?
Posted by: Highly educated Location: West on Jul 30, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Hey, "Go back to school": As for the incorrect words in your comment, it looks like you're the one who needs to go back to school. That is, if you can find your way out of the trailer park! It's amazing how many people are jealous of the city of West!
Posted by: Another Speller Location: Killeen on Jul 30, 2008 at 10:23 AM
To anonymous. Its obvious why you choose to stay anonymous.. "Drunk" not "Druck" "System" not "Sytem" "Peer" not "Pier" "Drowning" not "drownding" "vengeance" not "vengence" "Guilty" not "Gulity" "That the" not "the the" In your haste to get your strange rambling thoughts posted, you so completely ignored spell check it made you look like a moron.
Posted by: Spelling Bee on Jul 30, 2008 at 08:17 AM
To Anonymous: learn how to spell the word is V-I-C-T-I-M....LOL!
Posted by: Huh? Location: Killeen on Jul 30, 2008 at 07:55 AM
To Anonynous...Sorry, I dont really know what the *bleep* you are saying. "are Gulity period judged by your elected piers that do much worse than the charges you are charged with" Dude....really? (or dudette)
Posted by: Ryan West Location: West on Jul 30, 2008 at 07:01 AM
To Anonymous, Come on now.. Get Real , there is now way this can be anybody but Churchs mom trying to shift the blame from her son and herself.
Posted by: Steve Location: Waco on Jul 30, 2008 at 06:53 AM
If you want to know all the facts Christina was not even legally drunk. If you read the story on the Trib her blood alcohol level was .06. The legal limit is .08. Legally she was not driving while intoxicated however she still took responsibility for her actions and chose not to fight it in court.
Posted by: Getting the facts straight! Location: In a crazy world on Jul 30, 2008 at 01:09 AM
This is directed to: "To" Getting the facts straight...you're the one who makes no sense. Let's see...honor student, crack head and guy w/ prior DWI...very much diferent cases. I'm curious...did you go to any of these trials and hear the testimonies? Obviously, the victims families DID make a difference in the sentencing. It is what it is...get over it!!!
Posted by: Go back to school on Jul 29, 2008 at 06:59 PM
Again, you West people are pathetic. Your town will always have it's drunk reputation to no one's fault but your own. It's obvious that NON of you have been on a jury .... EVERY CASE IT DIFFERENT! I can't believe how uneducated many of you are. Pitiful!
Posted by: unknown Location: waco on Jul 29, 2008 at 06:02 PM
Ms. Drake is from Bellmead. Therefore, why are people still talking about West on this topic?
Posted by: Sandra Location: Temple on Jul 29, 2008 at 05:32 PM
I do not know all the details of any of these cases but I think the reason the man got a longer sentence than either of the ladies is because the ladies only faced one charge each. The man killed a woman and wounded 3 children, and I think there were 4 separate charges as a result. Also, someone said he was racing. If true, that is a charge of its own, in addition to the others. So that would be at least 5 charges against him, and if convicted of all 5, then it stands to reason that the sentence would be longer than for 1 conviction. It's all very sad.
Posted by: Getting the facts straight! Location: In a crazy world on Jul 29, 2008 at 04:53 PM
An honor student, a crack-head and a guy w/ a prior DUI...FACE REALITY---the background of these people and testimonies of all the victims families make a huge difference in the punishment, LIKE IT OR NOT! They were all tried in a court of law. It is what it is...get over it "To" getting the facts straight!
Posted by: Reality Check Location: Whack em Waco on Jul 29, 2008 at 04:38 PM
If you don't like the laws made by the people you elected, then elect someone else. People elect lawmakers, then complain about the laws that are passed. It is truly time for a change. I pray for the family of the man killed.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 29, 2008 at 04:34 PM
What about the as you call them victems, are they victems because they are dead? Did you know all three people that are now dead were also drinking. That is correct in two of the three cases the victems were also druck, Who know's about French no one, not one agency performed drug alchol test on her, she was drinking at the West Rodeo.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 29, 2008 at 04:23 PM
Lets discuss Douglas Church, did you know him? He is a very well mannered young man? I ask the French family will locking him away bring back your daughter, sister , mom? Will God bless you for your vengence? Will it bring laughter and smiles back into your lives? Lets discuss the fact the the numerous 911 calls were routed to EMT in Hillsboro! Are they not to blame? Oh ! Yes they are! Could Debbie French have been saved if it were not for the fault in the delay of EMT. Lets discuss Tina Church? If you see your child drownding are you going to try and help them....what parent would not. Let's discuss West,Texas, It is every thing you have said and their is lots more dirt that is well hidden. Judicial sytem come on folks, there is not one. You are Gulity period judged by your elected piers that do much worse than the charges you are charged with. 2 years vs 30 years vs 8 years. I hope the Church family will appeal the verdict.
Posted by: People are idiots! on Jul 29, 2008 at 04:14 PM
wats up with people these days drinking and driving and killing someone!
Posted by: TO getting the facts straight on Jul 29, 2008 at 02:03 PM
Since when does it make a difference if the family wanted her to go to jail, She killed someone she took a life...they all took a life and should have the same sentence. SO YES I question our justice system. Any other comments you would like to make...Make sure they make sense!
Posted by: candi Location: central tx on Jul 29, 2008 at 01:18 PM
for those who may not know, if you plea GUILTY to your crime then the DA will offer you some kind of deal, which is usually shorter jail time than what you risk with any trial, whether it be determined by a judge (what's called a bench trial) or a jury panel. To "Getting the facts straight": I agree with you 100%
Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: Ft Hood on Jul 29, 2008 at 01:11 PM
Ryan....Dude....can you say spell check....or would that be speel chek?
Posted by: amanda Location: waco on Jul 29, 2008 at 01:10 PM
robert was lying in the road when he was struck by drake not walking.
Posted by: Jeff Location: Waco on Jul 29, 2008 at 01:07 PM
How did she mess up when the dam guy was laying in the middle of the road. Anybody could have ran here over not even being drunk including myself beacause I travel that road all the time and don't drink. Eight years seems a little stiff considering the idiot was laying in the road!!!!!!
Posted by: David Location: Wacoan from Dallas on Jul 29, 2008 at 01:04 PM
You people need to start trashing Bellmead and other towns and not stay stuck on West. At least people in West din't kill a good hearted family man like the Bellmead boys killed the Bellmead animal control officer. Need to start calling Bellmead "Bell Hell" and "Bell Mud". You can't even go to Bellmead or Waco Walmarts without having your vehicle stolen or broken into. I think there was like three thefts in West and one car stolen last year. Can't say that for Waco, Bellmead, or other local towns!!! At least people in West work for what they have unlike some people in this world.
Posted by: Temple on Jul 29, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Steve: Church plead guilty to intoxication manslaughter. What Robert said makes total sense to me. The womens' sentences still should have been longer, regardless of who wants you to go to jail and regardless of whether the victim was a family member/friend. They still KILLED someone and need to pay with more than 2 and 8 years. That seems like nothing compared to a life taken away. They'll still have PLENTY of theirs left to live.... the victims don't have that luxury. "Tink" as yall are calling her looks pretty uncaring in her picture, not like a person who just killed their friend.
Posted by: big mo Location: not West on Jul 29, 2008 at 09:44 AM
The difference between Christina Drake and Lacey from West is that Christina will probably learn from her mistake. After his death, she did not continue to party like a rock, party like a rockstar, party like a rock, party like a rockstar. Christina did not post pictures of herself partying all over her MySpace page after a sad and tragic death. That is not normal behavior after you accidentally take someone's life. Some people have shame, some don't. Some are disgusting wastes of human flesh, others are not. Some learn, others do not. It wouldn't surprise me if the West girl got out and killed someone else from driving drunk, only to receive ANOTHER slap on the wrist. After all, she plans to attend A&M...the school of perfect little angels. Don't tell me she's going to spend Friday and Saturday nights studying in her dorm.
Posted by: Laura Location: West on Jul 29, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Ryan from West. If you think that West is such a horrible town...why the heck do you still live there? Move already and get on with your life and stop writing STUPID comments!
Posted by: Getting the facts straight! Location: In a crazy world on Jul 29, 2008 at 08:15 AM
If you people are so concerned about the sentencing...try going to a trial next time. You will find that every case is different...3 different drivers w/ 3 different backgrounds w/ 3 different victims w/ 3 different families of victims. Ashton's family did not want Lacy to go to jail. The French family wanted Church to get the max and Drake had a plea bargain. Before you start knocking our justice system, understand the FACTS!!! Folks, get a grip! Ryan from West...GET A LIFE!
Posted by: Other Location: WEST on Jul 29, 2008 at 08:12 AM
Amazing that no one is trashing Bellmead like they did West!!! Doesn't everyone know that Bellmead is the Dope Capital of Central Texas??? Oh! Maybe that is it! Their problem is Meth not Alcohol!
Posted by: Steve Location: Waco on Jul 29, 2008 at 07:22 AM
Church took a chance on the jury which is why he recieved 30 years. Christina decided to not go before the jury which is why she recieved 8 years. She could have taken her chance before the jury and could have possibly recieved a lower sentence like Lacy did or she could have received a longer sentence like Church. The jury of your peers decided on their sentencing. This trial did not go before a jury which is why you all did not hear much about it because Christina was not trying to fight it. She knew she messed up and accepted the 8 years she was offered. The accident would have happened weather they were drinking or not. It was a dark winding road and even the trooper who arrived on the scene said that but since drinking was involved Christina was held responsible and she accepted that responsibility. It is not a game and they really do care. People make mistakes and have to deal with their actions.
Posted by: RYAN WEST Location: WEST on Jul 29, 2008 at 07:06 AM
TO MICHAEL IN GHOLSON. SHE GOT SHE DESERVED. YEAH. I THINK LACY SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN THE SAME 30 YEAR SENTANCE. MAN, ITS AN EPPADEMIC IN WEST. ITS ALMOST A GAME WITH THESE PEOPLE. SEE HOW MUCH THEY CAN DRINK AND DRIVE BEFORE SOMEONE DIES. THEY REALLY DONT CARE.
Posted by: Bill Location: Waco on Jul 29, 2008 at 04:28 AM
Hmmmm.... a man is convicted of the same charge and gets 30 years, and two women get 2 and 8 years??? What happened to "Equal rights under the law"?
Posted by: waco Location: mclennan on Jul 29, 2008 at 01:56 AM
that one person who chose to be on the road is no longer with her family. God bless her and the family she left behind.
Posted by: Prison Guard Location: Gatesville on Jul 28, 2008 at 10:44 PM
I have a job because Texas Justice system makes mistakes like these everyday. There is no rhyme or reason to how they decide who gets what kind of punishments. It is like Las Vegas; it is your luck of how the cards fall.
Posted by: someone Location: Moody on Jul 28, 2008 at 05:30 PM
I have to agree with 'Whats wrong with the Justice system?'. Why is the man being treated different from the woman. They all commited the same crime by driving drunk and killing someone and they are all sentenced different. Doesn't make any sense to me.
Posted by: Robert Location: I on Jul 28, 2008 at 05:10 PM
The difference between the sentenances is 2 people chose to be in a vehicle with someone that was intoxicated and 1 just chose to be on the road when there was an intoxicated person on the road
Posted by: a Location: texas on Jul 28, 2008 at 04:32 PM
Where was all of the media coverage on this story? I am a friend of Curch who got 30 and this girl only gets 8 where is the justice in that? I went to school with this girl and she was nothing but trouble then. Maybe now she will lay off of the drugs and alcohol and straighten up her life. What a sad situation!
Posted by: Steve Location: Waco on Jul 28, 2008 at 04:18 PM
This was not all over the news because we are not a high profile family like the previous cases were. Two close families were both affected. Tinky had her problems and I hope she takes this time to get her stuff together. She accepted all responsibility for her actions. We lost a close friend that day and they chose to mourn with alcohol which only caused more pain and the loss of another friend and family member. What you dont read is Robert had a little girl and Christina has two little girls so think about the children affected here and pray for them instead of spready hate and malicious comments.
Posted by: RACHEL Location: WEST on Jul 28, 2008 at 04:12 PM
I GUESS IF YOU ARE GOING TO DRINK AND DRIVE MAKE SURE YOU KILL A FAMILY MEMBER OR A FRIEND. LOOKS LIKE YOU WILL DO LESS TIME! WHERE IS THIS FAIR?
Posted by: waco Location: waco on Jul 28, 2008 at 03:52 PM
If Church was racing when he had his wreck, what happen to the other person he was rasing with?
Posted by: Me Location: Here on Jul 28, 2008 at 03:33 PM
Why didn't this case make HEADLINE NEWS? Is it because this chick wasn't from West? I guess you folks who are fearful of driving thru West should be fearful of driving thru Bellmead too.
Posted by: chris Location: waco on Jul 28, 2008 at 03:22 PM
Where was all of the news coverage on this one? I'm a friend of Doug Church and yes he did deserve time, but where is the justice here this girl only gets 8yrs and Church gets 30 thats BS! I went to school with this girl and she was nothing but a smart mouth trouble maker. Church didn't have a good past just like this girl. I believe she deserves more, but just maybe she will get off of the drugs and straighten up. This just goes to show that not all people who drink and drive and kill someone is from west.
Posted by: me Location: copperas cove on Jul 28, 2008 at 03:12 PM
I just don't understand how they come up with the terms of their sentence, 2 years, 30 years, and 8 years. They all killed people the same way....drunk driving....
Posted by: Michael Location: Gholson on Jul 28, 2008 at 02:59 PM
See Folks??? It happens in other communities too. How come you are not raising the same stink about Bellmead that you did about West?
Posted by: Rick Location: CenTex on Jul 28, 2008 at 02:51 PM
Will be interesting to see how much sympathy the (it's okay to drive drunk) people on here, will give this lady.
Posted by: B Location: Waco on Jul 28, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Maybe "Tink" will get off the drugs and straighten her life up now!!
Posted by: ME Location: AT WORK on Jul 28, 2008 at 02:29 PM
SHE WAS NOT FROM WEST? CAN'T BELIEVE IT.
Posted by: Anon Location: waco on Jul 28, 2008 at 02:25 PM
I think this is sad that she got 8 years for killing someone while drinking and driving which if I'm not mistaken was the same sentence that the guy got that was caught on tape offering illegal drugs to a toddler. This doesn't make any sense to me. It's even sadder that because she drove over him with a car that she will only have to serve half of the sentence. Why do we even have a justice system?
Posted by: RYAN WEST Location: WEST on Jul 28, 2008 at 02:17 PM
IM SHOCKED. A DWI DEATH AND THEY ARE NOT FROM WEST. HOW CAN THIS BE. WELL, AT LEAST THE SENTANCE WAS FAIR.
Posted by: Old School Location: Old School on Jul 28, 2008 at 02:17 PM
Why wasn't this all over the news? This should demonize the whole Bellmead area, right!? I didn't see any Live Breaking News reports anywhere. I didn't get to see the video of her crying. seriously, whats the deal with KWTX bashing West. They make it out as if these people are serial killers. They aren't malicious, just stupid youngsters that got a well deserved punishment. I dont think this stuff needs to be "National Breaking News".
Posted by: Whats wrong with the Justice system? Location: WHO CARES on Jul 28, 2008 at 02:16 PM
How did Lacy get 2 years, Christina gets 8 years and Church gets 30 years? Is it because he is a man? Who else thinks this is a HUGE difference. All 3 sentences were too light. What is wrong with our justice system?
Posted by: Someone Location: Somewhere on Jul 28, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Yet another West Drunk driver?
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