https://www.mercurynews.com/ci_10094958

Sheriff's deputy pleads not guilty in death of bicyclists in Cupertino
By Lisa Fernandez
Mercury News
Article Launched: 08/04/2008 02:05:10 PM PDT

A Santa Clara County sheriff's deputy who swerved his patrol car into a group of bicyclists, killing two, entered a not guilty plea today through his lawyer.

James "Tommy" Council, 27, did not appear in court for the hearing. His next scheduled court appearance is on Sept. 15, and his defense attorney was not immediately available for comment.

Council is charged with two misdemeanor charges of vehicular manslaughter. If convicted, he could face up to two years in jail.

Prosecutors believe on the morning of March 9, Council fell asleep at the wheel while driving his patrol car along Stevens Canyon Road in Cupertino. Witness accounts reveal that his car crossed double-yellow traffic lines and smashed into a group of cyclists, killing Matt Peterson, 29, of San Francisco, and Kristy Gough, 30, of Oakland and injuring another man.

Contact Lisa Fernandez at lfernandez@mercurynews.com or (408) 920-5002.

I ride by the memorial several times a week. Sad reminder of the risks, but also that tomorrow isn't promised so gotta live today to the fullest.