With apologies to Spiderman, here's the latest update:
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007702080347Date set for Lane's civil trial in case of slain motorcyclist
BY KEYONNA SUMMERS
FLORIDA TODAY
TITUSVILLE - Celebrity motorcycle builder Billy Lane will face his crash victim's family in a civil case in August, but the trial for a DUI manslaughter charge he faces in the Labor Day wreck that killed Gerald Morelock is still pending.
Morelock's mother sued Lane, 37, and DaimlerChrysler -- which provided Lane with the Dodge pickup truck he was driving -- a month after the fatal crash in which police said Lane crossed a double-yellow line and hit Morelock's mini-Yamaha motorcycle.
Wednesday, Brevard Circuit Judge John Dean Moxley Jr. denied a motion by Lane's attorney to dismiss the case, and set a trial date of Aug. 20.
S. Sammy Cacciatore, the family's attorney, said the family is trying to recoup the loss of earnings of the deceased, medical and funeral expenses, as well as mental pain and suffering.
The family alleges Lane, who police say had a blood-alcohol level of .192 the night of the accident, and DaimlerChrysler, who used Lane's fame to advertise its vehicles despite prior driving citations on Lane's record, are liable for auto negligence.
"They've just gone through the first holiday period without Gerald and it's been difficult," Cacciatore said. "A parent especially never expects that they will be burying their child. It goes against the clock of life."
In the meantime, Lane also faces 15 years in prison if convicted of a charge of DUI manslaughter, a second-degree felony.
Gregory Eisenmenger, Lane's attorney in the criminal case, said that trial might be set during a docket sounding on March 23.
Lane remains out on bond. "He's trying to have as normal a life as possible, considering he has a serious criminal charge," Eisenmenger said.