Grandview man acquitted in deaths of 2 bicyclists

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A Jackson County jury has acquitted a Grandview driver in the deaths of a man and his granddaughter who were struck and killed while riding their bicycles.

The jury found William K. Johnson, 49, not guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the Aug. 6 deaths of Larry Gaunt, 59, and Sierra Gaunt, 14.

The Gaunts were preparing for an MS-150 bike ride when they were hit by Johnson's pickup. Larry Gaunt died at the scene. Sierra Gaunt died at a hospital.

Prosecutors pointed to police calculations that determined Johnson was going at least 54 mph in a 45 mph zone.

But witnesses for the defense said the Gaunts were in the roadway just before being struck and that they swerved in front of him.

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Information from: The Kansas City Star, http://www.kcstar.com