A driver is being charged with murder after hitting an Orange County doctor that was out riding his bike and then repeatedly stabbing him.
Vanroy Evan Smith, 39, of Long Beach, faces one count of murder and personal use of a deadly weapon, according to Orange County Superior Court records.
Authorities say that Smith was driving a white Lexus when he hit Dr. Michael John Mammone, 58, from behind near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Crown Valley Parkway in Dana Point at about 3 p.m. Wednesday.
Smith then got out of the vehicle and stabbed Mammone several times with a knife, the Orange County sheriff’s office reported. The doctor was transported to Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, where he died.
Bystanders rushed to the scene of the crime to help the victim and were able to pin Smith to the ground. Smith was taken into custody, and a knife was recovered at the scene.
Authorities have not found a connection between the suspect and the victim or a motive for the attack.
Smith pleaded not guilty and is being held on $1-million bail, the LA Times reported.
“An innocent man is dead because he took a bike ride to enjoy a beautiful California day along the beach, and he was hit with a car and stabbed to death by someone he apparently never met,” Orange County Dist. Atty. Todd Spitzer said in a news release. “The murder of a complete stranger in broad daylight for what appears to be absolutely no reason is the stuff of nightmares.”
If found guilty, Smith could receive the maximum sentence of 25 years to life.
