A motorist who struck and killed a 55-year-old bicyclist in Menifee was sentenced today to three years probation.
A Murrieta jury in March convicted Luis Aranda Llamas, 25, of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence for the July 23, 2014 death of Matthew Carp of Menifee.
In addition to the 36 months probation, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Stephen Gallon imposed a 90-day jail term but gave the defendant the option of serving it out on sheriff’s work release, which Llamas accepted. He will have to remain gainfully employed and report any changes in job status to his probation officer.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, the defendant struck Carp as the victim rode his bicycle along Domenigoni Parkway, just east of Lindenberger Road.
Prosecutors reviewed the case and found there was no evidence of gross negligence by Llamas, sparing him a felony charge.
In addition to the manslaughter count, the San Jacinto resident was accused of improperly displaying a vehicle license plate and being in possession of brass knuckles — misdemeanor counts to which he pleaded guilty at the outset of his trial.
Sheriff’s investigators said Carp was struck from behind as he rode eastbound, alongside a friend, in a marked bike lane during the late afternoon.
Llamas was driving an Acura that investigators alleged was traveling well above the speed limit when it collided with the bicyclist, causing the victim to strike his head on the pavement. Carp was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics less than 15 minutes later.
The other rider, whose name was not released, narrowly missed being hit and was not injured, according to sheriff’s officials.
Llamas was taken into custody at the scene without incident. According to court records, he has a prior conviction for trespassing.
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