03-01-2007The Claypool man who shot an Etna Green man in November was sentenced for the crime in Kosciusko Circuit Court this morning.
Billy Ray Hendrickson, 39, of 1420 E. CR 800S, Claypool, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated battery and was sentenced to 15 years in prison by Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Rex Reed this morning.
As part of the plea agreement, the last five years of the sentence will be suspended for probation.
Hendrickson went to Eigsti’s house in November and an argument about a relationship with a female ensued.
Then Hendrickson shot Eigsti twice in the upper torso and abdominal area with a 12-gauge shotgun. Eigsti was taken to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne and underwent emergency surgery for his wounds. Due to injuries from the shooting, Eigsti's arm was amputated.
Today, Judge Reed said he received several items of correspondence from Eigsti and members of Eigsti’s family members, including his grandparents, parents and siblings, that explained the impact of the incident on their lives.
“This offense is certainly tragic,” Judge Reed said. “Not only for Brandon, but for those who care for him as well. This is not anything that can be undone. This is certainly something he will have to live with the rest of his life. You or nobody else can give that back to him.”
After accepting the agreement and sentencing Hendrickson to 15 years in prison, Judge Reed ordered that Hendrickson pay restitution to Eigsti.
“The court orders that the defendant make restitution of damages suffered by the victim of this offense,” Judge Reed said, adding that Eigsti already had provided documentation proving the loss of more than $159,000.
Since Eigsti anticipates having to purchase a prosthetic arm, that cost will be included in the restitution as well. Reed ordered a separate restitution judgement that will be decided once all the costs are determined. The payment of the restitution will be included as part of Hendrickson’s probation.