Lexington motorcyclist dies. Driver in DUI crash in custody on manslaughter warrant.
A driver has turned himself into police after a manslaughter warrant was issued following the death Tuesday of a motorcyclist injured in a DUI crash on Richmond Road, police said.
Matthew Patrick Starling, 30, was released from jail on an earlier aggravated driving under the influence charge filed after the Monday night wreck. But he turned himself in later Tuesday when police issued the 2nd degree manslaughter warrant, according to WKYT, the Herald-Leader’s reporting partner.
Daezon Tyquise Morgan, 25, of Lexington died from his injuries at University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital at 1:57 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Fayette County coroner.
A gofundme has been started to help Morgan’s family, including his wife and the children they share.
Tuesday evening, Sondra Morgan, the wife of Daezon Morgan, and others had gathered at a protest at Richmond Road and Preston Ave.
“He was my everything,” Sondra Morgan said. “We wanted to come down here for justice, because this is the crime scene. We wanted to be here with him, for him. We just want justice. Justice for Daezon.”
Sondra Morgan said Daezon was a graduate of Tates Creek High School who inherited a passion for motorcycling from his dad and papaw. “We’re not ok. We are hurting. He was loved by everybody.”
Jordan Brewer said she had been friends with Daezon from middle school. She said she believes Matthew Starling should be charged with vehicular homicide rather than manslaughter. “Manslaughter’s not enough.”
Starling admitted he had been drinking before he collided with a motorcyclist, according to police. He tried to make a left turn onto Preston Avenue from Richmond Road while the motorcyclist was traveling inbound on Richmond, police said.
The wreck happened about 8:50 p.m. Monday, according to court records. Starling was taken into custody on the initial DUI charge just after 11 p.m., according to his arrest citation.
An officer noticed “a strong odor of alcoholic beverages, slurred speech, bloodshot watery eyes” and “signs of impairment,” according to the arrest citation.
Jim Gormley said on Facebook that he saw the aftermath of the “horrible” wreck. The motorcyclist appeared to have been riding with friends when the crash occurred. The windshield of Starling’s vehicle was broken.
Police said Tuesday that the investigation continues.
Karla Ward contributed to this article.
This story was originally published June 9, 2020 at 10:46 AM.