4 State Witnesses Testify About Local Doctor’s Alleged Intoxication During Fatal Crash

New information came out in court on Thursday in a local heart doctor’s murder trial.

Witnesses took the stand to describe Doctor Bryan Perry’s behavior and alleged intoxication before and after an October 2018 crash that killed 31-year-old Nicholas Rappa.

Three Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers took the stand along with a Baptist Integris Edmond emergency nurse. They all testified that Perry smelled of alcohol, had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and was uncooperative. 

Perry allegedly got behind the wheel after having 13 cocktails and crashed into Rappa’s motorcycle on Interstate 35.

The toxicologist who tested Perry’s blood testified that the doctor’s blood alcohol content was three times the legal limit.

An OHP trooper at the scene told the court he could smell alcohol outside the ambulance that took Perry to an Edmond hospital.

The victim’s family and friends said Thursday’s testimony was eye-opening.

“It shows what truly happened that night,” said Sarah Bridwell, mother of Rappa’s child. “And how intoxicated Bryan Perry was.”

Perry was also charged for leaving the scene of a deadly accident. Troopers and the emergency room nurse who treated Perry said he had abrasions and was covered in mud and burns from the ground.

Perry had a CT scan to check for head injuries but was released into OHP custody when medical staff did not find significant injuries. The nurse told Perry’s attorney is was possible he had a mild concussion.

“Whether he had a head injury or not -- didn’t change what he did prior to the collision,” said Bridwell. “The head injury, if he had one, happened after he killed Nick. “

Perry claimed he was “driving in white-out conditions” during the time of the crash.

Troopers at the scene told the defense they remembered it was only misting.

“He continues to ask about road conditions when all witnesses say it wasn’t a white-out condition,” said Bridwell. “It feels as if he’s pushing them to say what Bryan Perry’s claims are and that’s not happening.”

The trooper who took Perry to the Oklahoma County Jail said the doctor told him, “he knew he struck something but did not know what it was.”

Testimony will continue Friday morning.