GEORGETOWN, Texas -- More than one year after a teen cyclist was killed in a hit-and-run in Georgetown, the 20-year-old driver has been sentenced to prison.
Aaron Davison struck Thomas "Tommy" Ketterhagen, 19, on Jan. 23, 2017. Ketterhagen was last seen cycling along the 2300 block of Patriot Way before he was reported missing that night. Police said Ketterhagen's mother found his body along the road the next morning.
Judge Rick J. Kennon of the 368th District Court sentenced Daivson to two years in prison and 10 years probation. Davison turned himself in days after the crash and pleaded guilty in January 2018. His probation includes strict conditions, including a counseling class, a written letter of apology to the victim's family and no traffic tickets during those 10 years.
While his jail time could have been worse, Ketterhagen's father -- Tom Ketterhagen -- said he hopes this sentencing can help change Davison's life.
"To hold anger and revenge inside just isn't a place I wanted to be at," Ketterhagen said. "I just saw no good coming of it. And I really do want him to change his life as a memorial to Tommy if nothing else."
Davison chose to speak to the family in the courtroom Tuesday, asking for forgiveness from the family members. Both Tom Ketterhagen and his wife spoke to Davison, saying they forgave him for what he did to their son.
"To honor Tommy the best we can is for Aaron to change his life," Ketterhagen said. "That would be a huge testimony to Tommy."
Dee McWilliams was the assistant district attorney representing the Ketterhagen family in this case and he said Davison taking responsibility of the crime played a part in the prison sentencing.
"Mr. Davison came forward and took responsibility for this and identified himself as the driver in this accident," McWilliams said. "We both wanted Mr. Davison to have to spend some time in prison because that was appropriate for taking the life of Tommy Ketterhagen. We also wanted to be able to provide some influence over the course of the rest of his life and not just be done with it after a few years in the penitentiary."
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