Driver Accused of Killing Cyclist Could Face 98-Year Prison Sentence

The driver accused of running over a group of cyclists last weekend, killing one and injuring over a dozen others is facing the possibility of spending the rest of his life in prison.

76 year old Donald Robert Morris-Jones was arrested following the fatal crash on Optimist Farm Road in Holly Springs, Wake County, North Carolina on Saturday morning.

He reportedly crossed the center line and struck a pack of riders from the Capital Cycling Club.

Patrick Allen Turner, 63, of Cary, North Carolina, was confirmed by Highway Patrol as dying, with at least 20 other riders being injured.

Morris-Jones appeared before Wake County court on Monday via video link, with media reports stating that roughly two dozen cyclists from the club attended the courtroom.

He is charged with driving while impaired, felony death by vehicle, eight counts of felony serious injury by vehicle, eight counts of felony hit-and-run causing serious injury or death, driving left of center and reckless driving with wanton disregard.

In addition to the fatal injuries suffered by Turner, seven others were seriously injured. According to The News & Observer, Capital Cycling Club President Tim Charlino said that six remain hospitalized, with one of those described as being in a serious condition.

The paper reported that Morris-Jones could spend up to 98 years and 10 months in prison if he is found guilty of all charges.

Hit and run causes devastation

Charlino described the incident in a video interview.

“I was towards the front of the pack. I was one behind the guy who was in front of me,” he stated. “I saw the car coming, I saw him starting to swerve over into our lane. When I realized that he wasn’t going to come back, that he was coming straight at us, I managed to move slightly to my right to avoid him.

“He came right past my left side so I was one of the lucky few who escaped.”

He said that he didn’t see the collision but heard it. “It was very loud. I pulled over, we got off our bikes and went back and started helping the injured.

He said that the club deliberately rides on roads where there is less traffic.

Morris-Jones did not remain at the scene. His Black Infiniti was found half a mile from the impact site, having hit a road sign and driven into the ditch.

Media reports stated that he allegedly showed signs of impairment and that police officers noticed a smell of alcohol.

According to Spectrum News, the judge wrote Morris-Jones is “an overwhelming danger to society, despite the lack of apparent criminal history.”

‘Cyclists are human’

Morris-Jones is being held on a bond of $1 million.

Charlino described bike riding as “a passion and a blast, a lot of fun to ride with your friends.”

The crash will undoubtedly leave physical and mental scars for those who were riding with the club last weekend, as well as having a very serious effect on Turner’s family and friends.

Charlino appealed for a change in attitude.

“We would ask that people understand that when you see a group of cyclists, these are human beings,” he stated.

“They have families and people that care about them and people that love them and want to get home as well.”