Woman gets probation for vehicular manslaughter in bicyclist’s death
An 81-year-old Palm Desert woman admitted responsibility Thursday for causing the death of a bicyclist and was sentenced to three years probation.
Judy Mae Purcell entered her guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge of
vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence on the day her jury trial was scheduled to begin. Authorities said she might also lose her license.
“You can’t relate the pain you go through when something like this happens,” said Peters’ husband, Jim, who was in court for the sentencing hearing along with his daughter, Stephanie Lee. “All I hope that comes out of this is that we can prevent something like this happening in the future,” he said.
Lee said that she and her sister, Jena, have had to adjust to “trying to define ourselves as motherless daughters.” Recalling something her mother always told her, Lee told Purcell and the court, “You can’t unring the bell. All you can do is take responsibility for your actions and move forward.”
Purcell elected to speak at her sentencing, tearfully telling Lee and Peters, “There’s nothing I can really say, I’m just so sorry.” She said the crash was “truly an accident. I just didn’t see her. I’ve lost a lot of friends over this,” Purcell told them. “I relive that minute every day of my life. Every night, you’re in my prayers.”
Purcell and Peters had been headed in opposite directions on state Route 74 in Palm Desert just before 11:30 a.m. that day, according to Riverside County sheriff’s Deputy Bill Conoway.
According to a declaration in support of an arrest warrant prepared by Conoway, Purcell made a left turn onto Mesa View Drive and failed to yield to Peters. The victim had the right-of-way, riding a three-wheeled hand cycle in a designated bicycle lane, the deputy wrote.
Crash happened on January 5, 2015
The deadly collision happened on January 5, 2015, at the intersection of Mesa View Drive and Highway 74. It claimed the life of 73-year old Rose Peters of Durango, Colorado. She was riding a hand-pedaled bike at the time. This type of bike is commonly used by people with disabilities.
Local veteran helps people with disabilities hit the road
At the time of the crash, there was no word if Purcell was expected to face charges in the deadly collision. Officers had said drugs and alcohol weren’t believed to be factors as the investigation began.
Deputies said Purcell wasn’t booked into jail following the crash. They may be releasing a booking photo following the court proceedings.
It took a year and exactly four months after the crash before more information regarding the charges came to fruition. KESQ and CBS Local 2 will provide more details from court as Purcell is expected to face sentencing at 1:30 p.m. at the Larson Justice Center.
Rose Peters was a wife, mother, and athlete. She lost her life doing what she loved, cycling. Now her family is hoping her story will help shed light on what they say are dangerous roads for bicyclists in our area.
A Ghost Bike memorial was set up at the scene of the crash to remind drivers to pay attention to the road.
Peters actively volunteered for a non-profit called Incight which helps people with disabilities stay active and even work to become athletes.
We’ll bring you more details about Purcell’s charges as she awaits sentencing Thursday afternoon.
