A grieving family hopefully got a bit of closure last week following the trial and the sentencing of Vincent Craig Wilcox of Sulphur Springs, the driver of the dump truck that struck and killed O.G. and Vivian Brewer of Cooper last August on State Highway 19 in Delta County. After a brief deliberation the Delta County jury found Wilcox guilty of Intoxication Manslaughter, agreeing with the State that a deadly weapon was used, sentencing him to two consecutive 20 year sentences.
“This was a heartbreaking case. The Brewers were loved by so many in this community. In an instant, their lives were ended and the lives of their families were forever changed,” said District Attorney Will Ramsay following the verdict. “I made a strategic decision to re-indict these cases as Intoxication Manslaughters so that I could ask the Judge to stack the sentences. Thankfully, the jury found him guilty, and the Judge granted my request to run the sentences consecutively.”
The morning of Aug. 13, 2015 it was determined Wilcox was driving a “deadly weapon” (as deemed by the jury) or the large AK Gillis dump truck was traveling north from Sulphur Springs when he collided with the Brewers, who were leaving Cooper on State Highway 19 near the South Sulphur River bridge near the Delta/Hopkins County line. As earlier reported it appeared to be head-on collision and on impact the vehicles caught fire while in the ditch on the west side of highway. Vivian Brewer was pronounced dead at the scene while O.G. Brewer passed away at the hospital after being Air Evac Lifeteam emergency helicopter from the scene.
With the determination of the “deadly weapon” Wilcox will have to serve at least half his time in prison before he will be eligible for parole. Evidence was presented he ran at least two vehicles off the road that morning prior to striking the vehicle containing the Brewers. A sample of Wilcox’s blood was tested by the DPS lab in Austin resulting in a large amount of methamphetamine in his system. There was also forensic testimony given at the trial to the effects that this high amount of methamphetamine would have on a person operating a motor vehicle.
Testimony from numerous officers including from two Commerce police officers, who had arrested Wilcox just over two months prior to the date alleged of the indictments. This included information on his arrests which mainly revolved around methamphetamine possession or delivery.
“Many thanks are extended to local law enforcement and our first responders who provide protection and care in the midst of confusion and despair at the scenes of these traffic accidents,” said Ramsay. “Also, I want to thank the civilians who stopped that morning and did what they could to help those involved. My heart goes out to the Brewer family. I hope this verdict helps provide some bit of closure.”
