A dump truck driver who pled guilty to fatally striking Alexis Bounds while she rode her bike last year was sentenced on Friday to 200 hours of community service.
David Anton, 51, was sentenced by Denver Judge Nicole M. Rodarte after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge last month. Anton was driving a dump truck when he turned and struck Bounds, 37, who was cycling on a bike lane near Bayaud and Marion streets on July 24, 2019.
Anton's attorney said he voluntarily gave up his commercial driver's license. Under the Vulnerable Road User Law passed last year, Anton earned 12 points against his license, which results in an automatic suspension, according to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Anton could retain some driving privileges if he meets certain criteria.
Anton faced one year in prison but will do no time as long as he completes his community service.
Both Bounds' and Anton's families were inside the courtroom on Friday.
Bounds' husband, Teddy Bounds, and her mother, Peggy Boardman, asked Rodarte to hand down a harsher sentence toward Anton. They were not satisfied and said the sentence was too lenient.
Striking a sympathetic tone toward both families, she rejected the family's pleas for a harsher sentence. Rodarte said the sentence was appropriate.
Teddy Bounds used his time to describe his late wife: A loving mother, wife, a person he said was a "beautiful person" whose death has left him with a "sorrowful absence." He described her "endearing, magnetic smile."
"I too miss my best friend and confidant," he said. He then described the darkest day of his life. He blamed Anton's "negligent" actions for his wife's death.
"We really did lose someone special that day," Teddy Bounds said.
The two met when they were 15. They were married in 2007 and had two children.
The family criticized Denver police's investigation and said cops on the scene did not give Anton any kind of DUI exam; the judge later said an exam is only done if police have reason to believe that a person is under the influence.
Teddy Bounds also took a moment to describe how his wife died, detailing the horrific nature of her final moments before people tried helping her. Bounds said his wife freed herself from underneath the truck. "She fought so hard for her life," he said. She died about 90 minutes later at a local hospital.
A video was played showing photos of Bound and footage of the vigil that took place in her honor. While the video played, Anton, seated next to his attorney Rhidian Orr and flanked by two Denver sheriff's deputies, appeared serious and swallowed hard multiple times. His family sat behind him. Tissue paper had been placed in front of the seats, on opposite aisles, where the families were seated. Sniffles and sobbing came from both families throughout the sentencing.
Anton spoke briefly. He expressed remorse and said he hoped that the decision brought some comfort to Bounds' family.
"I am very, very sorry," he said.
The judge said Anton looked worse for wear every time she saw him in the courtroom.
Five people read statements or letters before Boardman stood to speak. She was the last person from Bounds' family to do so.
She described the constant grief she now faced and the difficulty of having to relocate from Louisiana to help care for Teddy and his children.
"I know I will spend the rest of my life missing Alexis," Boardman said.
She then rattled off things she was going to miss: Hugging her, holding her, talking to her. As she did, she drew jagged breathes and paused. She continued after her breathing slowed.
"I know Alexis lives on through me every day," Boardman said.
Bounds' death led to widespread outcry and calls for safer bike lanes.
