Billy Lane RTA fatality: Latest news: 19th Oct '06

[BaZa®]

Brother of victim in Billy Lane collision speaks out
Man concerned about charges; FHP continues to investigate crash
September 6, 2006
MELBOURNE, FL -- The younger brother of a Melbourne Beach man killed in a Labor Day collision with a pickup driven by a nationally known motorcycle designer says he's concerned charges have not yet been filed in the case.
Byron Morelock, an Indialantic resident, also described his 56-year-old brother Gerald “Jerry” Morelock as a sensitive, fun-loving man who once quit his job as a child psychologist because he hated to see children suffer.
“Jerry was just the coolest cat,” said 52-year-old Byron Morelock of his brother. “He could really make you laugh.”
The deadly crash happened at about 9 p.m. Monday on State Road A1A south of Melbourne Beach and near Ballyshannon Street. Investigators said the accident happened after Billy Lane — the nationally known chopper builder who has been featured on Discovery Channel's “Biker Build-Off” and “Monster Garage” — crossed a double yellow line to pass two other vehicles.
Lane's custom-painted black Dodge Ram pickup then slammed head-on into Gerald Morelock as he rode his moped, officials said.
Gerald Morelock, who was wearing a helmet, was killed instantly in the collision. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. A blood-alcohol test was conducted on Lane and sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement state lab in Orlando for evaluation. Test results, part of the traffic homicide investigation, could take up to eight weeks to return, although agents are asking for the tests to be given priority.
No charges have been filed in the case.
“Just the fact that he crossed the double yellow line and hurt somebody, let alone killed him is enough. There is no doubt in my mind that if it was me or you we would be in jail,” Byron Morelock said.
This is not Lane’s first road incident this year.
In June, he was arrested by the North Carolina Highway Patrol on charges of drunk driving. Police said Lane was driving the wrong way on a two-lane road without a helmet. Lane refused a breathalyzer test. The Rowan County Clerk of Courts confirmed that he is due to appear in court on Oct. 5.
Talking about the Brevard incident, Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman Kim Miller said investigators are simply making sure to build a strong case before filing any necessary charges.
“This is the thing, let's say we write him a ticket for crossing the yellow line and he goes to court. He could pay a fine and that would be it. We couldn't go back and charge him with the most serious charge in this case," she said.
“The goal is not to put him in jail as soon as possible. We have to prove criminal intent, that he knowingly passed the double line and that alcohol was involved.”
Byron Morelock moved to Brevard County from Ohio in 1984 and his brother followed a few years later.
Marilyn Howe, a Melbourne Beach resident, said she witnessed the accident as she made her way home from a soccer function for her two children. Howe said she was in the lead car that investigators believe Lane was attempting to pass.
“It was pretty dark, but still lit up. I just saw (Lane's) headlights coming up in my rearview mirror,” Howe said. “I also noticed there was a little motorcycle coming up and then a horrific crash. It was just horrible.”
Howe said she went back to see if she could provide CPR to Jerry Morelock, whose body was sprawled on the side of the road near his moped.
“It was too late,” Howe said.


R.I.P. Gerald Morelock

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[BaZa®]

News Video here click on eye witness news:

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Anyone who drives drunk or drugged should go to jail,- even Billy.- and he’s still awaiting trial for a previous drunk driving charges.
Following Biketoberfest two years ago I rode down to Choppers Inc,- down the same stretch of road from Daytona to Melbourne,- with a couple of friends from Northern Florida, they could hardly stand let alone ride a bike, yet their attitude was “you’ll never get busted ridding down there”. – I guess it’s not as sociably unacceptable as what it is over here.
R.I.P.to the innocent biker who was killed, but Billy you just lost all my respect.

[dantheman]

Originally Posted by L.V.

R.I.P.to the innocent biker who was killed, but Billy you just lost all my respect.

dito that sentiment, how can we expect others to heed us seriously when one of our own goes and does shit like this, condolensces to gerry's family and friends

[BaZa®]

Latest update is............


COCOA — Local motorcycle builder Billy Lane turned himself in at 1 p.m. today in connection with a fatal accident Sept. 4.

Among the charges Lane faces are driving under influence, manslaughter and driving with his license suspended.

Lane, 36, arrived with his lawyers at the Florida Highway Patrol office on State Road 520.

FHP spokeswoman Kim Miller said Lane’s blood alcohol level was .192 when the accident occurred on State Road A1A south of Melbourne Beach.

She said bond would be set at $15,000.

Investigators have said Lane was trying to pass two other vehicles on a double-yellow-lined stretch of A1A when his southbound 2006 Dodge Ram pickup collided with a northbound 1983 Yamaha moped.

Melbourne Beach resident Gerald Morelock, 56, was killed. Lane and a passenger in his truck were injured.

For almost 20 years, Lane has made a name for himself building custom “choppers.” He has appeared on the Discovery Channel’s “Bike Build-Off” and “Monster Garage.”

I always respected Billy L and even visited his shop . But B.L. crossed the line (no pun intended ) I got no problem with drinking and drug taking but when it f*cks up other people it aint on.
Billy hasn’t been found guilty yet, but if he is I hope he gets all that’s coming.

[Cybertec™]

Being an 'internationally known bike builder' who's been on the telly a few times doesn't preclude one from being an a**hole.

No sympathy at all for Mr. Lane...in fact as a 'biker' he should have known better.

[kiwidave]

DRUNK DRIVER KILLS BIKER


that's the long and short of it

this has caused some real anguish on an internet forum that Billy himself participated in

He has hung himself. Sad but true.

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbc...GNEWS/60925014

[12_String]

Originally Posted by kiwidave

DRUNK DRIVER KILLS BIKER

There's no fancy way of dressing it up - I love his bikes, was never overstruck with his ego, but if he's found guilty, he should get no special treatment.

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