Watch CBS News

Lawyer Blames Bad Bicycle Brakes For Wis. Fatality

HUDSON, Wis. (AP) -- The defense lawyer for a former University of Wisconsin-Stout hockey player charged with killing a fellow student in a bicycle crash last year says the victim was drunk and his bicycle had bad brakes.

The Eau Claire Leader-Telegram reports the felony murder trial of 23-year-old Jared C. Britton of Maplewood, Minn., began Tuesday in Hudson.

Defense attorney Earl Gray claims 22-year-old Bradley L. Simon's blood-alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit to drive when he died. Gray also claims Simon was riding a bicycle with no back brakes.

Simon died from head injuries after authorities say he was shoved off the bike and into a wall in downtown Menomonie. Police say the altercation followed a dispute in a bar over a Britton's sweatshirt.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.