Charges Filed in Cyclists Deaths

The driver involved in an August crash on Interstate 29 that killed four motorcyclists returning from a rally in Sturgis, S.D., had a blood-alcohol level of 0.373, more than four times the legal limit in the state of Iowa. Andrew Schlictemeier, 21, of Murray, Neb., is facing four counts of homicide by vehicle. He faces the felony charges in the deaths of Dale D. Aspedon, 49, of Glenwood; Steven Benscoter, 62, of Pacific Junction; Dennis E. Chaney, 62, of Glenwood; and Jay C. Bock, 48, of Omaha. Schlictemeier turned himself in to Harrison County authorities on Saturday. In addition to being highly intoxicated, Schlictemeier’s blood test revealed traces of marijuana, according to a report from the Iowa State Patrol. As of Monday, Schlictemeier was being held on $200,000 cash bond. The fatal crash occurred on Aug. 9 in a construction zone on Interstate 29 near Little Sioux. The four motorcyclists were traveling southbound in a close pack in the two-lane construction area. Schlictemeier was driving his 2004 Chevrolet pickup truck in the northbound lane when he crossed the median and collided with the oncoming motorcyclists. Prior to the crash, witnesses had notified authorities of a vehicle matching Schlictemeier's proceeding recklessly on the interstate. He was seen stumbling around a Missouri Valley gas station approximately 15 minutes before the mishap. In addition to the criminal charges, Aspedon’s widow, Cathy, has filed a civil lawsuit against Schlictemeier for the pain, suffering and financial loss she and her two daughters are enduring as the result of her husband’s death. Dale Aspedon, Benscoter and Chaney were all active members of the Harvey T. Rimel American Legion Post in Glenwood. They rode with the Legion Riders, a group of motorcyclists who travel the country to offer visible support at the funerals and services of military personnel and veterans.