KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — Jury selection continues Tuesday in the trial of the man accused of killing five bicyclists north of Kalamazoo in the summer of 2016.
Charles Pickett Jr. is charged with five counts of second-degree murder, five counts of driving while intoxicated causing death and four counts of reckless driving causing impairment.
Investigators say Pickett took pain pills and muscle relaxers on June 7, 2016, before driving his pickup truck into a group of bicyclists on Westnedge Avenue in Cooper Township.
Top, left to right: Debbie Bradley and Melissa Fevig-Hughes. Bottom, left to right: Tony Nelson, Larry Paulik and Suzanne Sippel.Five members of the group, called The Chain Gang, were killed: Debbie Bradley, Melissa Fevig-Hughes, Tony Nelson, Larry Paulik and Suzanne Sippel. Four other cyclists were injured.
Marijuana and meth were also discovered in Pickett's truck, authorities say.
Jury selection began Monday and could wrap up Tuesday. The court is not allowing the proceedings to be streamed live online, but 24 Hour News 8 reporters will be in the newsroom and will be tweeting updates. 24 Hour News 8 will also have daily updates on the trial on air and online.