Mistrial declared for motorcyclist charged in 104-mph fatal crash north of Pasco
A Tri-Cities jury deadlocked this week on whether an Othello man was responsible for killing a 57-year-old motorcyclist north of Pasco five years ago
The week-long trial of Larry C. Pence, 45, ended in a mistrial because of the hung jury, Franklin County prosecutors told the Tri-City Herald.
Eleven jurors voted to acquit Pence of the charges, and one juror wanted to convict him, said Pence’s attorney Karla Kane.
Prosecutors are still considering whether to try him again.
Pence was charged with vehicular homicide after his motorcycle collided with another shortly after 12:45 a.m. on May 11, 2018 on Glade North Road near Eltopia. Detectives estimated Pence was going 104 mph at the time of the crash.
Pence was accused of driving recklessly before he crashed into John Chacon Orozco Sr.
The two collided at the intersection, throwing both men from their bikes. Orozco died at the scene and Pence was taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland.
Pence denies he was driving recklessly. In court documents, Kane said the state couldn’t prove that Pence was speeding before he hit Orozco.
In addition, prosecutors didn’t present any blood test results proving he was intoxicated, she said.
A witness told investigators that a motorcycle passed her vehicle at a “very high rate of speed” right before the crash, according to court documents. The speed limit for Glade Road is 55 mph.
Paramedics also told deputies that Pence smelled of alcohol while they were caring for him at the scene.
A blood sample was taken at the hospital but court documents don’t state the results of the tests.
Orozco lived on a ranch in Basin City with his wife of 35 years. He had eight children, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild when he died, according to his obituary with Hillcrest-Bruce Lee Memorial Center.
The Connell High grad worked for Pavement Surface Control in Kennewick.
He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and was honorable president of the Undertaker Motorcycle Club, the obituary said.
This story was originally published June 9, 2023 at 5:00 AM.