Hamilton Sentenced to 10 Years Following Hudson Shooting

Jacob Hamilton was sentenced this morning to 10 years in prison following his May conviction for willful injury causing serious injury in connection with the July 14, 2024, shooting of Zachary Drinovsky outside the Wagon Wheel Apartments in Hudson. The sentence is the maximum penalty authorized under Iowa law for the offense.

Prior to sentencing, Judge Joel Dalrymple denied the defense’s motion for a new trial. Hamilton has 30 days to appeal the conviction and sentence.

As part of the sentence, Hamilton was also ordered to pay restitution and submit a DNA sample.

Friday’s sentencing hearing was held in a smaller courtroom than the one used during the multi-week jury trial. The courtroom was filled with family members, supporters, members of the public and media, with several people standing as they waited for proceedings to begin.

Before imposing sentence, the court noted it had received several written statements submitted on Hamilton’s behalf and had reviewed the Presentence Investigation (PSI) report.

Hamilton addressed the court before sentencing, apologizing to the Drinovsky family.

Five victim impact statements were presented by members of Zachary Drinovsky’s family, including his mother, Wendy Drinovsky; his brother, Blake Drinovsky; his sister-in-law, Abigail Oglesbee; his wife, Emily Drinovsky; and his daughter, who turned 13 the day before the hearing.

The Hudson Herald will provide additional coverage, including details from the victim impact statements and Friday’s sentencing hearing, in next week’s edition.