Hit-and-run driver pleads guilty in baby's death
Matthew Hamilton, 26, pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of vehicular homicide while under the influence and one count of felony hit-and-run.
According to police reports, Hamilton ran a red light while drunk Jan. 26 and broadsided another car near the intersection of 70th Avenue East and 20th Street East.
Riding in the other car was Jon Wayman and his 3-month-old son, Jayden. The boy was buckled into his car seat, but he was sitting on the side of the car hit by Hamilton's vehicle.
Police said Jayden's mother was following in another car and witnessed the crash.
The impact seriously injured the baby, who was rushed to Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. He died two days later.
Meanwhile, Hamilton ran from the scene after the crash. He was arrested later in the day when police found him sleeping at a friend's apartment.
When questioned by detectives, Hamilton said he ran away because he had a suspended driver's license.
Hamilton submitted a written statement to Pierce County Superior Court Judge Vicky Hogan, admitting to his actions. He faces a possible prison term of up to 18 years when he is sentenced March 30.
 Jayden is seen in an undated family photo. |
Under questioning by the judge, Hamilton confirmed in a quiet but firm voice that he was pleading guilty voluntarily.
Afterwards, the baby's father said the guilty plea begins to provide some relief to the family as they deal with their grief.
"It will be more meaningful once he's sentenced," the father added.
Court records show Hamilton has nine prior juvenile convictions, an adult felony for escape, a DUI conviction and 10 arrest warrants against him.
The only silver lining in the whole incident is that some of the baby's organs were donated, which helped save the lives of two other babies and a teenage girl.
"It's been the greatest blessing out of this that we were able to help a couple of other infants and an older teenager that received some of his organs," said the baby's father.