Man to be charged with vehicular homicide in death of cyclist in Tuscaloosa

TUSCALOOSA, Al.
A man who police say struck a man on a bicycle Friday night in the Rosedale area will be charged in his death, according to authorities.

Murphy McKinstry Jr., 59, initially charged with first-degree assault and driving under the influence of alcohol, will be charged with vehicular homicide in the death of Raphael Patton, 21, Tuscaloosa County Metro Homicide unit commander Capt. Loyd Baker said.

McKinstry called police after striking Patton's bicycle while traveling north on Greensboro Avenue in the area of 31st Street around 11:30 p.m. Friday, Baker said. Officers detected a strong odor of alcohol on McKinstry, who failed a field sobriety test.

Patton suffered severe head and internal injuries and died Sunday, Baker said.

McKinstry is in the Tuscaloosa County Jail on $51,000 bond for the assault and DUI charges.