Rochester, N.Y. – Megan Merkel and Mark Scerbo II, both 23, were indicted by a Monroe County grand jury Thursday for charges related to the death of a Fairport High School teacher.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, Scerbo was speeding on a motorcycle when he hit Heather Boyum on July 29.
Deputies said Boyum was riding her bicycle in Penfield, when she was hit by Scerbo. The impact sent Boyum into the road, where investigators said she was hit by a car driven by Merkel.
Scerbo, the alleged driver of the motorcycle that first struck Boyum, is charged with three counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, one count of manslaughter, aggravated DWI, DWI, DWAI by the combined influence of drugs and alcohol, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.
Merkel, the alleged operator of the car that struck Boyum, is charged with manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, DWI, DWAI by the combined influence of drugs and alcohol, operating a motor vehicle without a license, and operating a motor vehicle without adequate brakes.
“Heather Boyum is one of many who have lost their lives on the streets of our community as a result of people driving under the influence of alcohol, or drugs, or both,” said Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley. “As Monroe County District Attorney I pledge to use every available resource to prosecute these two individuals, and anyone else who threatens the safety our community in this way.”
Merkel and Scerbo are being held at Monroe County Jail and will be arraigned at a later date.
