The trial for a Battle Creek man who is accused of fatally striking five cyclists in Kalamazoo began this week, with witnesses taking the stand for the first time Wednesday.
Charles Pickett Jr. has been charged with second-degree murder for allegedly hitting nine cyclists with his pick up truck in a June 2016 incident. Five of the cyclists died as a result of the crash.
Toxicology reports show that Pickett was under the influence of muscle relaxers and other depressants at the time of the crash.
The trial at Kalamazoo County Court is expected to last until late next week. Pickett faces life in prison if he is found guilty.
