Biker Cove

This story is continuously followed. All updates are in chronological order, the most recent appearing first..

We received an email from Karlee Koppel explaining what this accident has done to her. It was difficult to read and this young lady really wrote well. We have already responded to her with the information she asked for. We we felt compelled to post her message as an update to the story which appears below.

"Hi, I don't really know what to say... but I guess I can start with who I am..

My name is Karlee Koppel, I'm 18 years old. On March 13, 2010 I woke up to a phone call from my uncle who lives in Newport Richie, which was odd. I knew something was up as soon as I saw the caller ID. When I answered, I didn't know what to expect... and then he gave me the worst news I could ever imagine. "I'm sorry I have to be the one to tell you this, but your mom was in an accident last night""Is he all right" "no hunny,...she's dead." My first thought? I couldn't tell you. I felt abandoned. My father died due to cancer back in 03, so she was the only family I had left that I truly loved and trusted. I didn't ask about what happened until June, after I'd turned 18.

My Mother was Killed, or Murdered, because she was in a head on collision between a truck and a motorcycle- unfortunately for her, she was on the back of the motor cycle and was ejected into the windshield of an incoming vehicle.

Do you know how hard it is to live with that information? Do you know how hard it is to Know that the man who did this to her, thinks he should just get away with it because it was a "horrible, horrible, accident"? Can you believe, that they, (the sermons family) think they have suffered as terribly as I have? I have a voice that needs to be heard, but I need help making the world hear it. I don't know what to do, I'm too young to handle all of this stuff by myself. I wasn't her only child you know, My brother, John Young is residing in a Corrections Institute in Perry Florida. I can't even get ahold of him. He's stuck there for 18 years... and guess what, my mom was the only one who ever wrote him. She was the one who sent him money every week for stamps... Now shes gone, and we have all lost our lives because of Paul Sermons.

I had plans, To graduate, To get married, To have kids, and she was supposed to be there. I don't know why I'm telling "you" this, but I need someone to talk to.... Now I'll never have a Mother or a Father to walk me down the aisle, or babysit while I'm at work. I'll never be told how proud They are of me, and I'll never see one of her beautiful paintings again. She was a good woman, she had a rough life that she escaped. She climbed walls no man could ever surpass because she was the strongest person I've ever known. She gave me all of my advice, and if I needed to cry, She was the one I called. Now all I do is cry over her, and I've got no one to cry to.

I used to try to follow in her footsteps and attempt to call myself an artist. Now that she's gone, my paintbrush stays clean and my inspiration has disappeared. I can't even remember the last time I talked to her. This hurts so bad. I can't remember if we were on good terms or not. I can't remember anything. All I know is no matter how bratty I was, she always kept answering my calls and listening to my problems. I really miss her.

I would say more but I'm about to go out to lunch with old friends,and I don't want to redo my makeup :P

My point in emailing you, was not only to get all of this off of my chest, but to ask you a question..
Where is the trial being held in October? I need the address because I refuse to not be a part of this."

We hope to see everyone in Bushnell for the October 13, 2010 Trial....Biker Cove

UPDATE, August 12: Sermons to stand trial in October

Updated: August 12, 2010

On a August 11th, 2010 a group of 20 members from Lake Count ABATE rode to the Sumter County Courthouse for the Pre-trial hearing of Paul Sermons held on 4 counts of Vehicular Manslaughter/DUI.  On March 13th, 2010, Sermons driving under the influence, passed another vehicle striking 2 motorcycles that were carrying a total of 4 bikers on CR 476 in Sumter County.  The force of the impact was so extreme that it literally ejected one of the motorcyclists through a windshield of a car.  Three bikers died at the scene, the fourth at the hospital.

Upon arrival to the courthouse, Lake County members were joined by a numerous amount of other biker motorcycle clubs and ABATE chapters.  A count of over 60 bikes filled a field neighboring the parking lot, not to mention many-many car riders.  The line to get into the front door of the courthouse was the length of more than half a football field long.  Due to the high attendance and the procedure (check point) to get into the courtroom, Sumter County Sheriffs' deputies had their work cut out for them.  As well as many cases were detained since people with court hearings could not enter the building for their scheduled appearance.  

It was standing room only in the courtroom and the adjoining hallway was totally filled.  Patience was a virtue as we sat through many cases.  When Sermons was escorted into the room, tension could be felt from the families of the bikers killed.  Sermons lawyer spoke requesting another date for a pre-trial hearing due to awaiting more reports such as the autopsy/medical examiner's report.  He also stated that his client has waived his right to a speedy trial.  The new date for the pre-trial hearing was set for October 13th, 2010 Wednesday, at 9am.   

Though, the majority of us may have not known the motorcyclists, that should not keep us from supporting.  They were bikers, we are bikers.  I am sure they rode for the many reasons that we all do.  In the spirit of all bikers and the support for their families, please pass the word and double or even triple the numbers that showed up for this hearing to the next hearing in October.

Thanks goes out to the clubs & churches that joined us: The Highway Men, US Military Vets MC, Christian Motorcycle Association, Village Nomads, Happy Hills Ministries, and more.  We will keep you posted as we receive info and on the scheduled group ride out of Lake County for October 13th, 2010.  

Casey Staley - President
Lake County Chapter
ABATE of FLORIDA, Inc.

Update: July 13.

Lake County, FL. July 13, 2010 - ABATE of FLORIDA, Inc. Lake County Chapter members met up today to take a ride. This was not a ride formed for pleasure but for what they believe in: to assure motorcyclists’ rights and to support the families of four slain bikers. An arraignment was held for Paul Sermon, being held at the Sumter County Jail on a $202,500 bond. His charges totaled nine; including numerous DUI Manslaughter and Vehicular Homicide charges. It has been reported that he has a prior record of DUI charges and driving on a suspended license.

Back on March 13, 2010 Sermon was driving on CR 476 in Sumter County when he passed a vehicle in his GMC pick-up truck striking two motorcycles carrying a total of 4 riders. Three of the motorcyclists died at the scene and the fourth at the hospital. The Florida Highway Patrol was at the scene and reported that Sermon was drunk.

At the Courthouse ABATE of Florida members from Sumter, Seminole, Lake, Freedom, Nature Coast, and Marion County chapters, as well as James “Doc” Reichenbach II, the State President of ABATE of Florida, Inc, Florida’s largest Motorcycle Rights Organization (MRO), were joined by CMA (Christian Motorcycle Assn.), Village Nomads and friends and families of the slain bikers.

Instead of following the docket in alphabetical order, after a few inmates’ cases were called, the judge announced he would go out-of-order and called in Sermon. It is possible that with over twenty biker supporters filling the courtroom, the judge may have realized the impression this case has had in our community. Upon Sermon entering the courtroom, the tension could be felt in the air as he donned a smug look. His plea: “NOT GUILTY.” The next step in this case will be a pre-trial hearing scheduled for August 11th, 2010 on the 9 a.m. docket. Although this case is far from final disposition, we are hoping that there will be no loop-holes allowing Sermon to go free or lessen the punishment he should encounter.

ABATE of FL Lake County Chapter plans to group ride to the pre-trial set for August 11th, 2010 at 9a.m. and requests the attendance of all motorcyclists (bike or not). The location of the Sumter County Courthouse is 209 N. Florida St. in Bushnell, FL. 33513.

Contacts for group ride:
Lake County, Casey Staley (407) 469-2455
Seminole County, Johnny “Buff” James (407) 970-3547
Sumter County, Nancy Painter (352) 457-4677
Marion County, Judy-Ann Antonio (352) 653-9571

Taken too soon, not to ride again. They are gone
But justice must prevail swiftly and harsh in their honor, as,
Unfortunately was their death.

Casey Staley
President
ABATE of FLORIDA, Inc.
Lake County Chapter
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ORIGINAL STORY from TBO.com:

Troopers identified four motorcyclists killed when a truck trying to pass another truck collided with two motorcycles in Sumter County on Saturday.

Two were from Citrus County.

A 1991 GMC truck driven by Paul Sermons of Bushnell was passing another truck on Sumter County Road 476 about 6:55 p.m. when Sermons hit the two Harley Davidson motorcycles that were heading in the opposite direction, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The report said Sermons, 45, tried to slow when he realized the motorcycles were closer than he thought.

The impact threw one passenger onto the windshield of the truck Sermons was trying to pass, the FHP said.

Three of the motorcyclists died at the scene. The fourth was taken to Brooksville Regional Hospital and pronounced dead.

John Holmes, 55, of Beverly Hills was driving a 2003 Harley Davidson. He and passenger Patricia Biehayn, 52, of Hernando were killed.

Beverly Hills and Hernando are communities in Citrus County.

The other two people killed were William Barker, 54, of Stuart who was driving a 2005 Harley Davidson and passenger Patrice Poole, 55, of Mount Dora.

Sermons received minor injuries.

No charges have been filed but the accident is under investigation, the FHP said.