Jesus Atencio, 67, and his defense attorney, William Satterberg, listen to Superior Court Judge Earl Peterson April 19, 2024, in Rabinowitz Courthouse in Fairbanks, Alaska.FAIRBANKS, Alaska - What’s required for the at-fault driver in a fatal collision to face criminal punishment? That’s one question with which a Fairbanks jury grappled Friday before returning a not guilty verdict.
“He’s punishing himself more than you folks will ever punish him, but ladies and gentlemen, please don’t make him a felon,” Defense Attorney William Satterberg said to the jury. Newbold died at the hospital as a result of his injuries after being taken off life support. The 50-year-old was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, though doing so is not legally mandated in Alaska.
They didn’t question whether Atencio was at fault for the wreck, and they didn’t question whether the wreck led to Newbold’s death, although the defense mentioned the lack of a helmet and traces of THC in Newbold’s system. Atencio, in his Thursday testimony, maintained that he peered through the intersection prior to deciding to turn and did not see Newbold on his Honda Goldwing motorcycle, with the 67-year-old suggesting other cars may have obstructed his view. The defendant was also not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
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