An illegal alien from Guatemala who killed a Tennessee man while drunk driving has been sentenced to prison for causing the man’s death.
Israel Martin-Alonzo, who was 18 at the time and was driving drunk, struck and killed Hixson man Donald Rackley on July 30, 2018. He was sentenced Tuesday to only two years in prison after pleading guilty to leaving the scene of an accident, failure to maintain lane, and DUI.
Donald Rackley was taking a walk to clear his head when he was struck and killed. A stranger later found his body and called the police.
Martin-Alonzo fled the scene but was captured by police a few days later. He was out on bond for another crime when he killed Donald Rackley, which prosecutors argued was a reason for a lengthier prison sentence.
Martin-Alonzo will be deported after serving his sentence.
Despite the leniency, Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge Boyd Patterson slammed Martin-Alonzo for his immigration status.
“Clearly, this is the worst-case scenario: An illegal immigrant coming to the country and committing a crime that results in the death of what is indisputably a pillar to this community,” she said. He’s a father to two sons, a Scout leader, a music minister in his church. But for you being here illegally, he would still be with us here today.”
Donald Rackley’s widow, Nancy Rackley, was not satisfied with the punishment.
“I just believe frankly that the charges in this plea situation are inadequate, flaccid, and very frustrating from my point of view,” she told Patterson and the rest of the court.
Donald Rackley’s obituary tells a story of a lifetime of interesting accomplishments.
“He was a loving husband, father and son,” the obituary says. “He was an Eagle Scout, a Scout leader, and a member of Mensa, International Brotherhood of Magicians, IBM Local Ring 112, Storytellers Guild, and Abba’s House. He was active in church in music and theater ministry. He had careers as a computer operator at Buster Brown for 18 years, a homeschooling father of 18 years, and most recently, entertainer, motivational speaker, magician, and seasonal Santa Claus.”
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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on X/Twitter.
