Law and Justice

Repeat DUI convict sentenced for DUI-involved murder of bicyclist on American River bike path

D.A. Gougherty

09 Jun 2023 — 1 min read

A defendant who was convicted for a DUI-involved murder was sentenced today in Sacramento Superior Court.

Armando Moreno-Rodriguez was sentenced to 16 years to life in prison. On March 20, 2023, a jury convicted Moreno-Rodriguez of the second-degree murder of Michael Dodson, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, hit and run, and driving on a suspended license.

Moreno-Rodriguez had three prior misdemeanor convictions for DUI and was given a Watson advisement, which is an advisement that driving under the influence is extremely dangerous to human life and might lead to a charge of murder if someone is killed as a result.

In June 2021, Moreno-Rodriguez, who was found to have an alcohol blood level .27 drove through a main gate and onto the American River bike path. He drove at speeds of 35 mph for approximately 4 miles before colliding with a cyclist, who was a member of the Sacramento Wheelman.

After the collision, Moreno-Rodriguez kept driving until his car shut down due to the damage. The victim suffered major injuries and eventually died one month later.

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