(From KJAS)

A Buna man stood before District Judge Joe Bob Golden on Thursday and pleaded guilty to intoxicated manslaughter in the January, 28th, 2007 traffic death of Mark Hernandez. Jasper County prosecutors say Gerald Bays was high on cocaine when he crashed into Hernandez in Buna, killing him instantly.

Judge Golden ordered a pre-sentence investigation, which will be conducted by the Jasper County Adult Probation Department. When the investigation is complete, the case will be set for a punishment hearing and Bays will learn his fate.

Bays could receive up to 20 years in prison.

Hernandez taught at the Ehrhart School in Beaumont.