Lizet Little
BULLHEAD CITY – Family members of a Bullhead City man killed in a vehicle-motorcycle collision spoke eloquently about their loss at a sentencing hearing for the Bullhead City woman who pleaded guilty to negligent homicide. The defense offered perspective as well at the July 12 sentencing hearing for Lizet Little, 36.
Deputy Mohave County Attorney James Schoppmann said in a previous hearing that Little claims she was adjusting something on the “info-tainment system” in her vehicle when it slammed into a motorcycle properly stopped at a red light at the intersection of Highway 95 and Corwin Road on Nov. 27, 2023.
Schoppmann said the motorcycle rider, Michael Vasconcellos, 60, suffered devastating injuries and was killed instantly when struck by the vehicle traveling an estimated 48 to 60 miles per hour in a 45-mile per hour zone.
One family member told the Court that Little was selfish in pursuit of communication or music to be distracted from the responsibility of a driver to be duly diligent while operating a dangerous motor vehicle.
Victim nephew Nic Vasconcellos was more blunt.
“All I can think about is my uncle having died from some bid to change the song or a channel,” he said.
“What did Mike die for? What was so important in that moment?” were rhetorical questions posed by Jim Vasconcellos who said his big, protective brother is dearly missed. “The world feels very empty and very lonely without him.”
Defense attorney Bob Heieck said Little did try to avert the collision at the last moment. He said his client is remorseful, the incident was unintentional, and that lack of impairment and criminal history serve as mitigation.
“She is a law-abiding citizen. She’s a single mom who cares for a son,” Heieck said.
“It was an accident and I would never hurt anybody on purpose,” Little said. “I’m extremely sorry to the family. This was not intentional … there’s no word or way to take this back.”
Mohave County Superior Court Judge Lee Jantzen noted a short video of the deadly collision played during the sentencing hearing is impactful. “You can’t watch that video without thinking a thousand things,” Judge Jantzen said.
Most of all, the Court noted, the video solidifies the view of the state and victim family members who contend Little had unobstructed view and plenty of time to slow down and stop for the light, but was instead, an oblivious and distracted driver.
Jantzen took issue with referencing the incident an accident. He said it was pure negligence and that the negligent homicide conviction is appropriate.
Noting personal belief, the case calls for punishment more severe, Jantzen signed off on the deal and imposed the 1.25-year prison term mandated in the plea agreement crafted by counsel.
Dave Hawkins
