Reckless Driver Charged with Murder of Tour de Palm Springs Bicyclist

The Desert Hot Springs man who fatally struck a Tour de Palm Springs bicyclist in February has been charged with murder. The suspect, 21-year-old Ronnie Ramon Huerta Jr., was taken into custody Wednesday after he pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.

Huerta was initially charged with vehicular manslaughter, but he was released after posting bail. The charge was increased to murder at Huerta’s arraignment Wednesday. He is also charged with driving on a suspended license and driving under the influence of drugs. Huerta has a history of serious traffic violations, including speeding, running a stop sign, talking on a cell phone while driving, and making an unsafe lane change. Huerta’s license was suspended in December.

Driver May Have Been Traveling 100 MPH

The collision that killed 49-year-old bicyclist Mark Kristofferson occurred on February 10 in the Indio Hills area. Kristofferson was participating in the Tour de Palm Springs’ 100-mile ride when he was struck by Huerta’s Ford 500 sedan. Kristofferson’s girlfriend was also struck and seriously injured in the crash.

Witnesses said Huerta’s car appeared to be traveling more than 100 mph before the crash. He is due back in court on April 18 for a settlement conference.

This driver’s total disregard for others’ safety cost an innocent person his life,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

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