The man accused of killing five bicyclists in Michigan has been charged with the deaths and it has been reported that he took pain pills and muscle relaxers two hours before his car plowed through the group.
The man, identified as Charles Pickett Jr., 50, was charged initially with second-degree murder. He is the driver of the pick-up truck that plowed through the group of bicyclists on June 7. Kamalazoo County then charged him with an additional driving while intoxicated causing death, U.S. News reported.
More details have emerged about the driver. Police reports say that they found marijuana, beer, liquor and methamphetamine in his truck when his vehicle was searched after the crash. It was also reported that the truck was going 58 miles per hour in an area with a 35 miles per hour speed limit.
The girlfriend of Pickett added that he has been acting unpredictably days before the crash. He also did not let her leave their hotel room in Kalamazoo County's Oshtemo Township. He is said to be upset by their relationship as well as the death of a cousin. There are no available details regarding the death of the cousin, when it occurred, and how close they were in terms of their relationship.
The girlfriend, who has not been publicly identified, added that Pickett took 16 to 20 muscle relaxers an hours and a half before the crash. He also took 10 painkillers. Pickett also reportedly told her, "I've taken this much before. I'd be better off dead." It is unclear what transpired after he took the pills.
A mental health exam will be taken by Pickett as per his defense lawyer's, Alan Koenig, request. He is to be tested whether or not he understands the charges and is competent to stand trial.
It remains unknown where he will undergo the mental health exam and if it will be made before his next scheduled hearing, which is this August 31.
