Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 07/09/04

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Chief Deputy Larry Scoufos Deputy District Attorney: William J. Brockley

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

GUILTY PLEAS IN DEATH OF BICYCLIST

William Michael Albertson entered pleas of guilty this morning to charges concerning the death of Daniel Robert O’Reilly on April 19, 2004. Mr. O’Reilly was riding his bicycle on Mark West Springs Road when he was struck by a vehicle driven by the defendant. Albertson’s blood/alcohol level was later determined to be .22 percent, nearly three times the legal limit.

In addition to pleading guilty to vehicular manslaughter and admitting an enhancement that he fled the scene without rendering aid, Mr. Albertson also pled guilty to felony counts of driving a vehicle while having a blood/alcohol level of at least .08 percent and felony hit and run after causing injury to another. He also admitted that he was previously convicted of a serious felony offense and suffered a prior strike conviction. Mr. Albertson is ineligible for probation and faces a potential state prison sentence of 18 years. There were no sentencing agreements with the District Attorney’s Office.

The Honorable Elaine Rushing is scheduled to sentence Mr. Albertson on August 23rd. Deputy District Attorney William Brockley stated that he will present evidence at the time of sentencing that shows the devastation caused by the defendant. Brockley was assisted by California Highway Patrol Investigator Robert Mota and District Attorney Investigator Roz Eliaser.