Kadel Piedrahita , the man accused of fatally shooting a cyclist 4 ½ years ago on the Rickenbacker Causeway and making a video of it, rejected a plea offer Thursday that would have put him in prison for a minimum of 25 years.
Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Alberto Milian set a May 20 trial date, saying he would no longer postpone the case.
Assistant State Attorney Arvind Singh said the plea offer was 40-year sentence with a 25-year mandatory minimum before the defendant could be eligible for parole. Piedrahita, through an interpreter, said he understood the government may decide to not to extend the offer to him again.
Piedrahita, 46, is charged with second-degree murder and aggravated assault with a firearm. He could face life in prison if convicted at trial, Milian said.
Piedrahita appeared animated in the jury box before the hearing started. He asked a reporter what publication he was with and how he could read the story. He also sported a sling on his left arm, saying other inmates “jumped” him in jail.