Casper Man Pleads No Contest In Brian Scott Gamroth’s Death
A Casper man has pleaded no contest to a charge of negligent homicide in a motorcycle crash that killed K2 Radio morning host Brian Scott Gamroth in Montana a year ago, according to the change of plea order filed Wednesday.
William Michael Spicer entered his nolo contendere plea to the felony negligent homicide charge and a guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge of daytime speeding before Judge Jon Oldenburg on Oct. 2, according to the order filed in the 10th Judicial District Court in Judith Basin County, Mont.
"Defendant acknowledged he had reviewed all of the evidence for Count I, negligent homicide, and believed his plea was in his best interests and he did not want to go to trial," according to the order.
Oldenburg ordered a pre-sentence investigation set Spicer's sentencing for Nov. 13.
Spicer is released on his own recognizance and is required to appear for his sentencing.
Under Montana law, conviction of negligent homicide is punishable by up to 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $50,000 or both. Conviction of daytime speeding in excess of 20 mph shall be punished by a fine of $120, according to court documents.
Gamroth family spokesman Rich Jamieson, a Casper attorney, said the family is aware of the plea and declined to comment.
"The Gamroth family once again has no comment and is allowing the criminal justice system in Montana to work its course," Jamieson said.
Spicer, a Casper businessman and friend of Gamroth's, was charged and pleaded not guilty in March.
Court records say the accident happened Sept. 18, 2016, when vehicles and motorcycles were traveling east on U.S. Highway 87 in Judith Basin County. Gamroth pulled out to pass some of the vehicles and safely pulled back into the line of traffic.
Spicer followed. Witnesses said they were driving at the 70 mph speed limit, and Spicer was traveling at least 90 mph, according to court records. "Multiple witnesses reported they considered Defendant's driving and his passing of vehicles to be a 'bad pass.'"
Spicer pulled back into the line of traffic, and his motorcycle hit Gamroth's motorcycle. Gamroth's motorcycle went into a ditch. He struck a wooden post and was pronounced dead at the scene.