Trial Begins for Man Accused in Bicyclist's Death

MURRIETA, CA - Jury selection began Tuesday for the trial of a motorist accused of fatally striking a bicyclist in Menifee.

Luis Aranda Llamas, 25, of San Jacinto is charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter without negligence in connection with the July 23, 2014, death of 55-year-old Matthew Carp of Menifee.

Riverside County Superior Court Judge Stephen Gallon summoned prospective jurors to the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta for screening as to their availability and qualifications to hear evidence in the case. A panel is expected to be sworn in today.

Llamas is free on a $7,500 bond.

According to the District Attorney's Office, Llamas struck Carp as he 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, who, in addition to the manslaughter count, is charged with improperly displaying a vehicle license plate and being in possession of
brass knuckles. Sheriff's investigators said Carp was struck from behind as he rode eastbound, alongside a friend, in a marked bike lane during 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. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics less than 15 minutes later.

The other bicyclist, whose name was not released, narrowly missed being hit but 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.

--City News Service