BROWNSVILLE – A jury has decided the fate of Taylor Nicole Ramirez, who was convicted in a Harlingen intoxication manslaughter case.

She was sentenced to five years in prison for the death of 29-year-old, motorcyclist, David Salinas.

The sentencing came down after nearly hours of deliberation. The jury unanimously decided Ramirez's punishment.

Twelve jurors found Taylor Nicole Ramirez guilty early Friday. That means the group agreed Ramirez was at fault and responsible in the August 2016 accident.

The accident happened on Loop-499 and Grimes Street in Harlingen.

Ramirez was driving her car when she hit Salinas. He was stalled at a green light.

The 29-year-old suffered suffered injuries that left him in a coma. Salinas died the following week.

Police reports indicated Ramirez and Salinas each had alcohol in their system at the time of the accident.

Ramirez took the stand Friday and addressed Salinas' family directly for the first time.

In tears she said, "A lot of guilt, a lot of shame, a lot of saddens. Just a lot. Never meant for this to happen."

In closing arguments, the state pleaded the jury give Ramirez a sentence that matched the crime.

On the other end, the defendant's attorney told the jury to think about what Ramirez can do now following the accident.

Ramirez's father begged the jury to be merciful in their sentence and grant his daughter the opportunity to become a counselor and be an influence in preventing accidents like this one.

Salinas' father said he's not happy with the verdict. He thinks five years just isn't enough.

"It's horrible. It's hard for me to sleep. I'm wanting to see him. I'm wanting to talk to him. To give him a hug. Tell him I love him. I can't. I can say it. But I'm saying it to an empty space. I hope he's somewhere watching me and taking care of me like he was when he was here," said Rolando Salinas.

After the verdict, Salinas' father addressed Ramirez directly.

He said he doesn't wish her ill-will, but hopes she comes to feel the loneliness and pain losing his son caused him.