DUI Driver Faces Murder Raps for Cyclist's Death
July 16, 2009
Canyon Country – Authorities have filed murder charges against a 20-year old man responsible for the death of a 43-year old bicycle rider whom he struck at Bouquet Canyon Road last week.
The car driver, Marco Antonio Valencia, was charged with one felony count each of murder and gross vehicular manslaughter while drunk. He was also charged with six felony counts of driving under the influence (DUI) and four felony counts for leaving the scene of an accident.
Valencia was also later found to be in violation of a suspension for a prior DUI conviction.
Reports said Valencia struck and killed Joseph Novotny, and injured three other cyclists in the accident. He was arrested 90 minutes after the accident.
The District Attorney’s Office said Valencia’s bail is set at $1.3 million. He will be arraigned on July 29. If convicted, Valencia faces 27 years to life in prison.