A Polk County jury found 49-year-old Jeremy Russell Gyiraszin of Westfield, Michigan, guilty of Manslaughter and Aggravated Assault after an extensive trial that ran from December 2 to December 11, 2024. The charges stemmed from the April 15, 2022, death of 59-year-old Pamela Cadwalder and injuries to her husband, Ralph Cadwalder, following a reckless incident.
The incident was a car accident that occurred on April 15, 2022 on US 59. Gyiraszin was driving the wrong way when he crashed into the Cadwalder's vehicle.
Throughout the trial, jurors heard testimony from mental health experts, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, and witnesses, including members of the Cadwalder family and Gyiraszin's family. The jury convicted Gyiraszin of Manslaughter for causing the death of Pamela Cadwalder and Aggravated Assault for injuring Ralph Cadwalder.
For the Manslaughter conviction, Gyiraszin was sentenced to 10 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, with eligibility for parole after serving five years. The jury also imposed 10 years' probation for the Aggravated Assault charge.
District Attorney Shelly Sitton commended the dedication of all involved, stating, “Our prosecutors worked tirelessly to present a thorough and compelling case. We hope this sentence provides some sense of justice and closure to the Cadwalder family, who have endured unimaginable loss.”
Special acknowledgment was given to Assistant District Attorney Scott Ferguson, who returned from retirement to prosecute the case, as well as Assistant District Attorneys Zachary Dickens and Darrell Greer for their critical role in preparing the case.
The Polk County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to pursuing justice and ensuring public safety.