Man sentenced to 15 years in prison for fatal hit-and-run

MADISON, Wis. — A man who hit and killed a bicyclist in Oregon in August before fleeing the scene will spend 15 years in prison.

Kevin Meister, 36, pleaded guilty in February to homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle while using a controlled substance , among other charges.

A judge sentenced Meister on Friday to 15 years in prison followed by five years of extended supervision on the murder charge.

The crash killed 33-year-old Shelton Berel, who was training for a triathalon when he was killed , according to his obituary.

Berel’s wife Katelynn, who was pregnant at the time her husband was killed, told the court she lost her baby due to the physical and emotional toll the crash put on her.

“He was healthy that morning when he left, he was happy,” she said. “A father and a husband just trying to better himself by staying healthy so he could live a long life for his children.”

She didn’t hold back when talking about Meister.

“I hate that man for this, I hate him, I hate that he made my last memory of Shelton one that haunts me forever,” Berel said.

Meister’s attorney had previously said Meister thought he hit a deer while driving to work . On the day of the crash, police found drug paraphernalia in Meister’s truck, and blood tests found he had used drugs that day.

The 150 days Meister has already served behind bars will count toward the 15-year prison sentence.

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