PORT TOWNSEND — A Port Townsend man flown to a Seattle hospital during his vehicular homicide trial this week has improved to satisfactory condition.
Patrick Cleon McConnell, 64, was upgraded Wednesday and remained in satisfactory condition Thursday at Harborview Medical Center, hospital spokesperson Barbara Clements said.
McConnell was flown to Harborview on Tuesday in critical condition after he allegedly attempted suicide, according to court records.
His attorney, Richard Davies of Jefferson Associated Counsel, told Jefferson County Superior Court Judge Keith Harper that McConnell’s sister found McConnell at his residence early Tuesday and called for aid, records state.
Davies moved for a mistrial, which Harper granted.
Davies declined to comment Thursday on McConnell’s progress.
A status hearing has been set for 8:30 a.m. Nov. 8 in superior court.
McConnell is charged with vehicular homicide and DUI. The charges stem from the death of Marcus Henthorn, a bicyclist who was traveling on 19th Street and collided with a vehicle as it turned right from 19th onto Landes Street in March 2018.
Prosecutors said McConnell was driving his maroon Hyundai and turned in front of Henthorn, an artist who also served on the city’s active transportation board.
Henthorn, 75, was unable to stop and landed head-first on the pavement. He was wearing a helmet but died of his injuries at Harborview the following day.
Blood samples taken from McConnell at the scene tested positive for cannabinoids, indicating he was allegedly under the influence of marijuana, according to court records.
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Jefferson County Managing Editor Brian McLean can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 6, or at bmclean@peninsuladailynews.com.
