Pasco woman on trial in fatal 2009 wreck

Kenneth Dillon doesn't recall much of the horrific motorcycle crash that took the life of Nicole Cetrangolo on April 5, 2009.

Dillon remembers driving his 2007 Triumph Rocket III north on U.S. 19 about 2 a.m. with Cetrangolo on the back. A Ford Explorer pulled out in front of him but Dillon can't remember his bike striking the back of the SUV.

"All I recall is flashes of the vehicle pulling out in front of me and it happening twice," Dillon said from the witness stand today.

Dillon's role in the wreck has become a central question in the trial of Deborah Terrero, the Ford's driver.

Terrero, 55, of New Port Richey, is charged with driving under the influence-manslaughter, vehicular homicide and DUI causing serious bodily injury. She could face up to 20 years in prison.

Dillon and Cetrangolo were thrown from the motorcycle; neither was wearing a helmet.

Cetrangolo, 37, suffered severe head injuries and died. Dillon, now 50, spent five weeks in a hospital and has endured several surgeries.

Prosecutors contend Terrero was impaired by drugs and alcohol.

Following the collision, she allowed a paramedic to draw her blood for testing. The results showed her blood-alcohol level was 0.06 percent; below the 0.08 percent at which state law presumes impairment. But authorities said the tests also showed Terrero had methadone and Xanax in her system.

Assistant State Attorney Chris Jensen said the mix left Terrero too intoxicated to drive.

Witnesses testified Terrero was drinking with two other women at the nearby Anchorage Saloon just before the crash.

Defense attorneys Scott Tremblay and Anett Lopez have focused on Dillon's possible role in causing the wreck, questioning whether he may have been intoxicated.

Tests on Dillon's blood showed no alcohol, although his blood wasn't drawn until several hours after the crash. Dillon also testified he didn't remember talking to a paramedic after the collision.

The paramedic, Joshua Ryczek, testified that he smelled a faint odor of alcohol when he treated Dillon. He also said Dillon told him he had four drinks at some point before the wreck.

But when pressed by Jensen, Ryczek said Dillon did not appear to be impaired by alcohol.

James Berry, who saw the wreck from behind the wheel of his truck, testified that the Explorer ran a stop sign and pulled out onto northbound U.S. 19.

Berry said the motorcycle was in the right lane and moved into the center lane in an attempt to avoid the SUV.

On cross-examination, Berry said there was a truck between him and the motorcycle but that he could see the crash through the truck's cab window and windshield.

The trial continues Wednesday.

tleskanic@tampatrib.com

(813) 731-8098