First hearing on felony charges for Sunset Hills Mayor who threatened, then struck cyclist

Michelle Funkenbusch of Bike Life STL gave an update on the situation with the criminal case against Sunset Hills Mayor Mark Furrer, who (according to the testimony of several witnesses) threatened cyclist Randy Murdick and then drove him off the road.

Hundreds of cyclists rode in support of Randy in August

As we reported in October, Mayor Furrer was charged with two felonies, which could result in more than 10 years imprisonment if the Mayor is convicted.  Such serious charges are rare in cases where motorists strike cyclists, and give an indication of how strong St. Louis County prosecutors feel about this case, both in terms how the strength of the case from the legal point of view and the very represensible and dangerous behavior shown by the Mayor.

Funkenbusch wrote about today's planned preliminary hearing:

UPDATE WITH REGARD TO CRIMINAL CASE AGAINST MAYOR FURRER: The case is set on the "call docket" for tomorrow. The assistant prosecutor assigned to the case is Chelsea Mortimer. She is the assistant prosecutor who would conduct the preliminary hearing. Tomorrow the case has its first setting before Judge Smith. The lawyer for the Mayor may or may not set the case for a PH tomorrow. It may just be continued... as often happens.

Per the prosecutor, there will be no grand jury, as with the Darren Wilson case. At the PH the prosecutor will present evidence to show the judge that there is probable cause to believe a felony has been committed and that the Mayor committed the crime. The attorney for the Mayor, Dan Bruntrager, can cross-examine witnesses. If the Judge finds probable cause the case will be "bound over" to circuit court and a Circuit Court Judge would handle the trial.

The attorney Bruntrager assures me that, even though he has not read the police report (the prosecutor has not given him a copy yet), that he believes his client is innocent and they will be seeking a trial on the felony charges against him.

The trial will probably take place some time in 2015.

The Call has more information about today's hearing.

Meanwhile, the City of Sunset Hills is working to impeach Mayor Furrer and Furrer has threatened to fight any impeachment effort.

Please sign the petition created to support Murdick, ask Sunset Hills to make positive changes in support of cycling, and ask the St Louis County Prosecutor to vigorously prosecutor the Mayor's heinous actions.

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