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Lake County Civic Leader Pleads Guilty in DUI Manslaughter Case

Bruce Duncan, a former assistant public defender, changed his plea from not guilty to guilty in the sentencing hearing for the drunk-driving accident in Florida that killed Herbert Muller as he was riding his motorcycle in October 2009.

Defense lawyers had called on friends and colleagues to testify about Duncan's long career as a civic leader and community activist, and his remorseful plea for forgiveness.

Family, friends and fellow motorcyclists had gathered at the hearing to ask for justice for the death of Herbert Muller, a 61-year-old postal worker and Vietnam War veteran, of Mount Dora, who was killed when Duncan turned his pickup truck into the path of his motorcycle. Duncan had been drinking half a bottle of vodka and had a blood-alcohol level of 0.16, twice the legal limit.

Duncan faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. The prosecution is requesting 12-and-a-half, while the defense attorneys ask for four years in prison with 10 years probation.

Duncan has vowed to start a scholarship in Muller's honor and to speak to groups about the evils of drinking and driving.

Lake County Circuit Judge Michael Takac declared he needs more time before deciding on a sentence, which is now expected to be pronounced at the end of the month.

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