08-05-2025
Man pleads no contest to manslaughter in deadly 2021 crash
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A man accused of intentionally running over a motorcyclist four years ago has pleaded no contest to multiple felony charges.
Daniel Lee Barton on Wednesday pleaded no contest to vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, assault with a deadly weapon and hit and run causing death, according to court records. Charges of first-degree murder, vehicle theft and driving on a suspended license were dismissed.
He's scheduled to be sentenced June 5.
On June 26, 2021, Barton, 42, was driving a stolen Chevy Avalanche north on Eye Street as a motorcycle was turning east onto 3rd Street, according to court filings.
'Barton made no attempt to stop and was observed on video surveillance intentionally running over the victim causing his death,' the filings say.
Investigators extracted data from the Chevy and determined it had been slowing gradually without braking until right before the crash — when it went full throttle.
A possible motive is listed in the documents.
After the collision, Barton ran toward a backyard while yelling, 'He stole my motorcycle,' a witness told police.
Barton has a lengthy criminal record, with convictions for attempted carjacking, vehicle theft, assault with a deadly weapon, vandalism and possession of a stolen vehicle.
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