A New Jersey teacher’s aide reportedly told police he didn’t recall fatally striking a bicyclist while driving last week, but admitted downing several shots of booze and smoking weed before getting behind the wheel with a 3-year-old child in the backseat.
Deandra L. Brown Palmer is accused of killing 62-year-old cyclist Douglas W. Nutt while trying to pass another vehicle in Upper Pittsgrove Township on July 2, according to NJ.com. Nutt was biking on the shoulder of the road.
After fatally hitting the cyclist, Palmer allegedly drove past Nutt, did a U-turn, then passed the victim again before being located by police responding to 911 calls.
Authorities said the 44-year-old suspect briefly tried to elude Bureau of Elmer police before coming to a stop. Cops said he “exhibited signs of impairment.”
A judge ruled Wednesday that Palmer, from the southwest New Jersey town of Swedesboro, would remain jailed while awaiting a court date.
Funeral services for the victim were held Tuesday.
New Jersey State Police didn’t immediately return a request for comment.
