Man convicted of murder, one year to the day after fatal drunken crash near Clovis

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — The widow of Peter Binz shared the pain she still feels after the loss of her husband as the man who killed him appeared in court Friday to learn his fate.

Lisa Binz asked us not to show her face as she spoke about the agony of waiting for answers the night Peter went biking and never came back.

“I didn’t sleep that night trying to find him,” Lisa said. “Driving his route. Calling hospitals. What I didn't know was that he was already dead.”

Lisa joined more than a dozen family members in court, determined to get justice and keep Peter's memory alive.

“Peter was one of the most charismatic people you could meet,” Lisa said. “He had big dreams. He worked hard. And he loved life.”

The impact statements come exactly a year after investigators say Jonathan Petty was driving drunk and hit Peter with his pickup truck. The tragedy occurred on Herndon, near Langley Avenue.

CHP documents reveal Petty left the scene without stopping to help Peter or even calling 911. Prosecutors say he was well over the legal alcohol limit.

“He was found not with a phone in his hand, but with a beer,” said Assistant Prosecutor Steven Ueltzen.

Petty pleaded no contest to murder and leaving the scene. He was on probation for a previous DUI when the fatal crash occurred.

In court, the 27-year-old stood with his head bowed, just meters from Peter's family. Petty's attorney provided a brief statement.

“He expressed remorse for his actions,” said public defender Roy Jae Ho Park. “He apologized for his conduct. I know we can't say words.”

Moments later, the judge handed down the maximum sentence, ordering Petty to serve 15 years to life in prison.

The trial is now over, but a void remains in the hearts of Peter's family.

“There are no words to express how painful this loss is for me and my family,” said Peter’s sister, Mary Cox.

For updates, follow Gabe Ferris on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.