Arizona biker community geared up to show support for fallen riders
Michael Jakscht, who was convicted on 13 felony counts, including 4 manslaughter charges, is scheduled for sentencing at 8:30 am on November 16, 2012. Jakscht’s conviction stems from his arrest following a horrific tragedy in which four motorcyclists were killed, and several others seriously injured.
On March 25, 2010, Jakscht, was midway through his day of driving a roll-off truck when, according to his testimony, he glanced to one side. He claims that when he looked back to the road, he realized he was bearing down on 10 motorcyclists stopped at a red light at 27th Drive and Carefree Highway in north Phoenix. Jakscht claims to have slammed on the brakes and the 12-ton truck skidded to the left, over the top of the bikes and the riders. Several motorcyclists were trapped beneath the truck when their gas tanks burst into flames. Phoenix police said Jakscht failed a roadside sobriety test and his blood tested positive for meth. He was later arrested and charged with four counts of manslaughter, five counts of aggravated assault and several counts of endangerment. He was convicted of all counts on August 15, 2012.
Bikers from around the state plan to attend the sentencing, lining Jefferson Street with their parked motorcycles as a show of support for their fallen fellow riders. Motorcyclists are asked to arrive as early as 6:30 am to help secure parking spots, each of which can accommodate as many as four bikes.
Sentencing will be conducted in Courtroom 5C.
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