Man Who Severely Burned Himself Manufacturing Meth Sentenced to Prison, LIVINGSTON, March 27, 2012 - On March 26, 2012, Darryl James Hix, 28, of Livingston, was sentenced to 15 years in prison (Texas Department of Corrections) for possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). The punishment was handed down in Judge Elizabeth Coker's District Court. Hix received the sentence as a plea bargain for an incident that occurred in Livingston in September 25, 2011, when Hix and his girlfriend, Gillian Faye Falls, 29, of Livingston, were attempting to manufacture methamphetamine from their residence. The fumes from the flammable mixture ignited and exploded causing Hix third degree burns over most of his body. The two then began hiding the evidence of their dirty deed before emergency personnel arrived. Gillian Faye Falls was sentenced to 4 years in TDC earlier this year possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine).
Darryl James Hix, 28, of Livingston received 15 years in TDC after pleading guilty to possession of a controlled substance.
Gillian Faye Falls, 29, of Livingston, was sentenced to 4 years in TDC earlier this year for possession of a controlled substance.
Original Story Below
Local Man Sustains Third Degree Burns While Allegedly Attempting to Manufacture Meth, LIVINGSTON, October 10, 2011 - Shortly before 2 pm on September 25, 2011, a house fire was reported. The fire was located at 308 Liberty Avenue. Livingston Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene and managed to contain the fire which was located in the laundry room of the house. Officers from the Livingston Police Department also responded to the scene including Sergeant Ronnie Bogany, Kevin Ward, Adam Williford, and Chad Ward. During the fire, a resident of the home, James Darryl Hix, 28, sustained 3rd degree burns from the waist up. Hix stated to police that somebody drove by and threw a container of chemical on him and the chemical ignited causing the fire. The following day, the City of Livingston Fire Marshal, Josh Moehler, inspected the scene. The cause of the fire was reportedly suspicious in nature. The inspection led to an investigation. Detectives received consent to search the residence. As it turns out, multiple pieces of evidence was located in the residence and on the premises outside the house. The chemical evidence suggested manufacturing of methamphetamine. Dogs were brought in from the State Fire Marshal's Office and no evidence was located to back up Hix's claim that he was set afire by a passer by. Additionally, an undisclosed amount of methamphetamine was found at the residence.
What Really Allegedly Happened... Hix was allegedly attempting to manufacture methamphetamine in the laundry room of the house. The fumes from the chemical mixture ignited (possibly from faulty wiring) and exploded, severely burning Hix. Before authorities arrived, Hix and his girlfriend, Gillian Fay Falls, 29, of Livingston, allegedly tried to hide the evidence before she took James Hix to the hospital for his burns.
James Darryl Hix and Gillian Faye Falls have both been charged with: Arson causing bodily injury, manufacturing of a controlled substance, and tampering with evidence.
At time of press (October 10), James Hix remains in Hermann Hospital in Houston being treated for 3rd degree burns on most of his body.
28 Year old James Hix of Livingston sustained 3rd degree burns and is facing felony charges.
29 year old Gillian Falls is facing felony charges.
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