DATE: June 9, 2023

CASE: Armando Moreno-Rodriguez (Case #21FE012664)

PROSECUTOR: Deputy District Attorney Andrea Morris

The Honorable Allen Sumner sentenced Armando Moreno-Rodriguez 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 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. Moreno-Rodriguez’s blood alcohol level was .27.