A MOTORCYCLIST has been found guilty of murder in fatal crash in Huntington Beach (Shutterstock).

After a three-week trial, the defendant in a 2021 fatal traffic accident in Huntington Beach was found guilty of murder on Thursday by a jury.

John Murray III was immediately sentenced by the judge to a term of 15 years to life in state prison.

According to Jennifer Carey, public affairs manager for the HBPD, the incident had taken place on Sept. 11, 2021 at about 8:17 p.m. on Pacific Coast Highway south of Warner Avenue between a sport utility vehicle and motorcycle.

The motorcycle passenger, Meghan Wautlet, 22, was found dead at the scene. The motorcycle driver – Murray – was found in the roadway with significant injuries an was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

A police investigation determined that Murray was at fault for the collision and had been performing “dangerous stunts, riding recklessly and excessively speeding” just before the crash.

Police also determined that Murray had – in the seven months before the incident – been cited or arrested at least five times for traffic violations, including speeding and reckless driving.

Murray remained in custody since his arrest and was formally charged with murder in February 2022.