Bicyclist's death draws 90-day sentence

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A District Court judge handed down the maximum sentence Tuesday to a woman convicted of a lesser charge in the death of a bicyclist: 90 days in jail and a $300 fine.

Miranda Pacheco had been charged with vehicular homicide for the March 22, 2010, crash that killed David Anderson.  Her first trial resulted in a hung jury and mistrial, while the second trial ended last week with a conviction for careless driving.

The judge also ruled Pacheco could not be released into house arrest under the Community Corrections Program.

Pacheco claimed someone cut her off while she was headed east on Paseo del Norte near Rio Grande Boulevard forcing her to swerve off the roadway and onto a bicycle path where she hit Anderson.

Prosecutors had argued she was speeding and weaving in and out of traffic when she lost control.

Today's sentencing included a slide show depicting Anderson's life and a song his wife Sherri selected for Miranda Pacheco to hear.  Sherri and her daughter, Tristen, both forgave a tearful Pacheco. 

Pacheco sobbed through most of today's proceedings.

Pacheco spoke directly to the many friends and family of Anderson who were in the courtroom.  She said she cries every day for Anderson and his family and she asked for forgiveness.

Anderson's family said they are glad the ordeal is over and hope Pacheco can eventually forgive herself.