Victims Identified In Deadly Motorcycle Crash In NE OKC

Court documents filed Tuesday show it was a married couple out for a motorcycle ride with their 20-year-old daughter who were involved in a horrible crash along NE 23rd Street and Post Road on Saturday. The daughter is the one who died.

The family of Laura Atkinson is still stunned over her sudden death. According to the Oklahoma County Sheriff's office, Laura was out for a motorcycle ride with her parents, Ron and Teresa Atkinson, when they were hit from behind by a speeding car driven by 42-year-old Mario Cherry.

Laura was on one motorcycle. Both her parents were on the other when they were literally run over. Laura was pronounced dead at the scene and her parents were rushed to a nearby hospital.

Court papers state the car Cherry was driving rolled three to four times. Despite that, he tried to get back in his car before police could stop him and arrest him - but not before he put up a fight and injured one of the officers.

Court records show Cherry spent time in jail back in June of last year, after he was accused in an armed robbery. He was released on a $40,000 bond and was due to be back in court this Friday, May 13.

News 9 researched Cherry’s criminal past and discovered he has been booked into jail a total of 23 times in the past 25 years. He has been arrested on multiple drug and gun charges, assault and battery on a police officer, and burglary as well.

“Sadly, these three citizens were just riding down the road on their motorcycles enjoying a spring day when this crazed career criminal literally ran over them. He was driving so fast, the victims probably never saw him approaching. His driver’s license was suspended and he had no business behind the wheel of any vehicle,” stated Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel, who was at the scene of the crash. “I am outraged that Cherry got yet another opportunity to victimize innocent citizens.”

News 9 checked with the hospital and were told Ron Atkinson has been discharged and Teresa Atkinson is currently listed in good condition.

Cherry faces a total of five counts right now, including first-degree manslaughter, driving under suspension, and assault and battery on a police officer.