An Austin man received a prison sentence of two and a half years for the explosion that rocked St. David's Medical Center parking garage. Raymond Luke Garner, 39, pled guilty to possessing a destructive device which detonated last August, according to court documents.
Garner, a Jonestown resident, caused a blast from a pipe bomb in the back of his truck on Aug. 9, KVUE reported. He was originally facing up to ten years in federal lockup but ended up with a 30-month term handed down on March 15.
Post-explosion investigations revealed more than just a spent pipe bomb; homemade explosives, various timers, and electronic matches were among the items found near Garner's vehicle. In a move that further incriminated him, Garner attempted to have a box full of explosive materials and tools removed from his residence while in police custody, according to KXAN.
The sentence includes a recommendation for Garner to serve time in a facility close to Central Texas to facilitate family visitation and address medical concerns, as well as a three-year supervised release with mandatory substance abuse treatment following his incarceration. His plea in October followed his August 14 release into federal custody, and the investigation that led to his sentencing was a combined effort by the ATF, FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, and local law enforcement agencies. "ATF is committed to investigating and holding accountable the persons responsible for explosives accidents involving the manufacture of illegal explosive devices which can result in serious injury, death, and extensive damage to property," stated Special Agent in Charge Mike Weddel with ATF's Houston Division in a statement obtained by KVUE.
The series of events have culminated in the judicial system's response to a dangerous ordeal that fortunately did not result in more drastic harm to the Austin community. As Garner prepares for his 30 months behind bars, the repercussions of his actions and the steadfast work of law enforcement serve as a harsh reminder of the gravity and potential devastation of illegal explosives within our urban landscapes.
