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Morgia Sentenced To 18 Years

Story Published: Jun 25, 2012 at 11:46 AM EDT

Story Updated: Jun 25, 2012 at 8:38 PM EDT

Francis "Terry" Morgia was sentenced to 18 years in prison for fleeing police and causing a crash that killed a Brownville woman last October.

Morgia spoke briefly in court during sentencing Monday morning. He apologized and said he never meant to hurt anyone.

Morgia pleaded guilty to several charges, including attempted murder.

He admitted to snatching a woman's purse in front of Kohl's department store in Watertown before leading police on a high-speed chase that resulted in the death of Shirley Hammond. 

"I beleive that 18 years in this case is a very good sentence for this case," said assistant District Attorney Kristyna Mills, "and I really think it shows the residents of Jefferson County that we're not going to tolerate high-speed chases."
 
"I think it's a reasonable outcome from a very difficult, tragic situation," defense attorney David Antonucci said.

Hammond's family, including her adopted son, Watertown police officer William Rafferty, were in the courtroom.

Hammond's other son, Jeffrey Hammond, spoke about his mother's life and called Morgia a selfish individual.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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