The motorcycle rider who accompanied his friend K2 Radio morning show host Brian Scott Gamroth during his fatal ride in September has been charged with negligent homicide in Montana, according to court records.

William Michael Spicer of Casper heard that charge and a misdemeanor charge of daytime speeding during his initial appearance and arraignment in Judith Basin County Courthouse on Monday. That court is in Montana's 10th District Court.

Spicer pleaded not guilty to both counts.

Under Montana law, conviction of negligent homicide is punishable by up to 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $50,000 or both. Conviction of daytime speeding in excess of 20 mph shall be punished by a fine of $120, according to court documents.

His attorney, Kenneth Olson of Great Falls, Mont., told the court Spicer owns a UPS store in Casper, is a prominent citizen, has no criminal history, and is not a risk to not appear in court, according to the minutes of Monday's arraignment.

Judge Jon Oldenburg released Spicer on his own recognizance. He limited Spicer's travel to within Wyoming except for travel to court appearances in Stanford, Mont., the county seat of Judith Basin County.

The criminal information document was filed in 10th District Court on Jan. 5. The Natrona County Sheriff's Office received the notice of the summons for Spicer on Jan. 26.

Information from the defendant about witnesses, experts, documents and other materials is due to the court by March 24.

Judge Oldenburg will set a trial date at a hearing on April 24.

Judith Basin County Attorney Heather Perry and Olson declined to comment.

Perry outlined the state's case against Spicer in affidavit accompanying the charges.

On Sunday, Sept. 18, vehicles including motorcycles were traveling east on U.S. Highway 87 in Judith Basin County approaching Eddie's Corner, Perry wrote.
"Two motorcycles pulled out to pass, the first was Victim Brian Gamroth, and after passing several vehicles he was able to safely pull back into the line of traffic. Defendant was following Victim Gamroth and also pulled out to pass several vehicles," she wrote.

Witnesses told law enforcement Spicer passed several vehicles whose drivers said they were traveling at the 70 mph speed limit and estimated he was passing them by at least 90 mph," Perry wrote.

"Multiple witnesses reported they considered Defendant's driving and his passing of vehicles to be a 'bad pass.'

"Because of oncoming traffic Defendant quickly pulled into the line of traffic behind Victim Gamroth and made contact with Victim Gamroth's motorcycle. As a result of that contact, Victim Gamroth lost control of his motorcycle, ended up in the ditch, and struck a wooden post. Victim Gamroth was pronounced dead at the scene."

 

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