Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 09/12/2008

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Hilary Moores - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Cook

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

ROAD RAGE DEFENDANT TO SERVE 5 YEARS IN PRISON

District Attorney Passalacqua announced that on August 27, 2008 Alfred Mark Fournier, 51 of Camp Meeker, was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in the death of Eric “Rick” Stern.  Mr. Stern died on July 13, 2004 while riding his motorcycle on Bohemian Highway after passing Fournier on the highway.  Apparently angered, Fournier then passed Mr. Stern and either stopped or slowed to a near stop in the road ahead, causing Stern to lock up his brakes, lose control, and slam into the back of Fournier’s Ford Explorer.

District Attorney Passalacqua said, “Road rage on the highways will not be tolerated.  The senseless loss of life over uncontrolled anger is unacceptable and our hearts go out to Mr. Stern’s family.”

At trial, Fournier faced charges of Voluntary Manslaughter, Gross Vehicular Manslaughter, and Assault with a Deadly Weapon.   He was convicted of Gross Vehicular Manslaughter and Assault with a Deadly Weapon, both felony charges, with the jury deadlocked on the Voluntary Manslaughter count.  He faced up to 6 years in prison.

Deputy District Attorney Anne Masterson handled the prosecution.