(KRON) –- A drunk driver in Santa Rosa who struck a motorcyclist from behind in his pickup truck and fled the scene, leading to the rider’s death, was convicted Thursday of second-degree murder, according to authorities.
Charles Allen Bernhardy, 39, was found guilty by a Sonoma County Superior Court jury of second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, hit and run causing death and misdemeanor hit and run in the death of 23-year-old Vance Stammer in 2022.
Investigators said Bernhardy was traveling in a Chevrolet pickup westbound on Fountaingrove Parkway on the night of Sept. 6, 2022, when he struck Stammer riding a motorcycle. Stammer was also going westbound on the roadway and was tossed from his motorcycle when he was hit by the truck. The collision knocked Stammer’s helmet off of his head and he suffered critical injuries.
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Bernhardy continued driving and crashed into a Honda, police said. He did stop after either collision. Eventually, the truck became disabled, and Bernhardy fled on foot into the dark.
Stammer was transported to a hospital and placed on life support. After several weeks, Stammer was taken off of life support and died from his severe injuries.
Crash investigators identified Bernhardy as the driver of the Chevrolet, and probable cause was developed for his arrest on DUI charges, Santa Rosa PD said.
Statements from Bernhardy, along with witnesses tying him to the fatal collision, confirmed that he was intoxicated and fled the scene.
“This was a very difficult and emotional investigation for everyone involved,” police said. “The Santa Rosa Police Department Accident Investigators, led by Investigator Fisher, worked very hard to bring justice for Vance Stammer and his family.”
https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/santa-rosa-drunk-driver-found-guilty-of-second-degree-murder-in-crash/
