Suspected drunk motorcyclist who killed boy in Roseville, faces judge

A 14-year-old boy killed after he was hit by a motorcycle in Roseville.

Police say the biker who hit him was drunk and Monday he had nothing to say as he faced a judge.

A $100,000, 10-percent bond for 24-year-old Cody Soucie of Roseville did not sit well with the family of 14-year-old Ryan Mannes Monday.

"You've got to be f--ing kidding me," a family member said in court.
A family member was heard comparing that bond to "getting away with murder" while leaving the overflowing courtroom.

Soucie was seen crying while he was arraigned on one count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death. Police say Soucie had a blood alcohol level of .14 when he hit, and killed Mannes Friday.

"It is a felony with a maximum of 15 years in prison," said the judge.

Witnesses say Mannes, who was a freshman at Roseville High School, had been with two school friends playing Pokémon Go near 11 Mile and Demerick.

It is believed Mannes, in an attempt to capture a Pokémon, wandered into the road, when Soucie hit him then, crashed his motorcycle. Soucie and his 26-year-old girlfriend suffered minor injuries.

On Monday Soucie's attorney pointed out that Soucie doesn't have a criminal record.

"It's a tragedy on both sides," said Sal Palombo, Soucie's defense attorney. "It always is. He didn't plan this."

After the judge determined Soucie does not appear to be a threat to the community, angry gasps and tears were heard inside court from Mannes' family. But Soucie's attorney adds that, although he must wear an alcohol tether if released, he doesn't have a history of substance abuse.

"The charges - although appropriate from a prosecutorial standpoint, may not be an appropriate charge for the facts and we'll get to that," Palombo said.

FOX 2: "What would be the appropriate charge?"

"Something less than where we're at," he said.

But with a 14-year-old boy gone, prosecutors are requesting a high bond. This judge also, is not denying the seriousness of the crime.

While Soucie's next court date is scheduled for Oct. 26, there will be a vigil at Veteran's Memorial Park next to Roseville Junior High School Monday night at 7 p.m. to honor Ryan's memory.