ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Mark Scerbo, whose initial manslaughter conviction in the deadly 2012 crash that killed Heather Boyum was tossed, due to a technicality, will not face a new trial. Scerbo accepted a plea deal, admitting to his role in the roadside death of the Fairport mother and school teacher.
Scerbo admitted to riding a motorcycle drunk, hitting Boyum as she rode her bicycle on Route 250. Boyum's friend, who was cycling with her, testified that Scerbo was driving fast and recklessly, popping wheelies and passing a car driven by Scerbo's acquaintance, Megan Merkel.
The impact of the motorcycle collision threw Boyum into the road, where she was struck by Merkel’s car. Boyum died at the scene.
With the blessing of Boyum's family, Scerbo will now serve out seven to 14 years in prison, a slight reduction of his original sentence.
“All parties are relieved that we don’t have to go through any further grief,” said Eric Boyum, Heather's husband.
"We're absolutely relieved that we don't have to go through another trial,” Boyum said. “Obviously, like Judge (Doug) Randall said, my kids are five years older. They understand a lot more than they did in the past, and I was not looking forward to having to deal with that, especially with the school year starting."
Merkel was acquitted of vehicular manslaughter, convicted instead on several misdemeanors.