Jeffrey Joe Hampton
After deliberating about four hours Thursday, a jury sentenced 33-year-old Jeffrey Joe Hampton of Tyler to life in prison in connection with a fatal boating crash on Lake Palestine nearly three years ago. Witnesses say Hampton was driving his bass boat recklessly and was intoxicated when he struck 14-year-old Roberto “Carlos” Bermejo on Lake Palestine. Prosecutors say Hampton had numerous alcohol-related arrests, probations, and even prison time before the deadly boat crash.