PHOENIX - A Sacaton man accused of getting behind the wheel and killing a bicyclist after drinking a 12-pack of beer has been found guilty of second degree murder and aggravated assault.
Prosecutors said Webster Norris, 44, hit and killed the 60-year-old Gilbert bicyclist on September 20, 2008.
Norris had apparently been drinking with a friend for most of the day, and was racing down a roadway on the Gila River Indian Reservation at 90 miles per hour right before the crash happened.
Witnesses testified that the victim was biking at "an appropriate location on the road" and the defendant had "ample room" to avoid the victim.
Evidence also showed Norris never slowed prior to hitting the victim or after hitting the victim.
The impact of the collision was so intense that the victim's left side was mangled, and left arm and hand amputated.
The victim's amputated arm and hand flew into the suspect car and into the back seat.
Norris wasn't located for 48 hours, and later claimed he had no memory of the previous 48 hours due to his extreme intoxication.
A conviction for Second Degree Murder carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.
A conviction for Aggravated Assault carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.
The victim had been cross-training in preparation for a marathon, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
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