EL CAJON - An unemployed drifter with a history of drunken driving convictions pleaded guilty Tuesday to felony charges stemming from an alcohol-related hit-and-run crash that killed a bicyclist in Alpine.
Travis Chris Weber, 44, will be sentenced to 11 years in state prison on June 25 during a hearing before El Cajon Judge Peter Deddeh.
Weber pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and an allegation of hit-and-run causing death.
The 5 p.m. collision in the bicycle lane on eastbound Alpine Boulevard last Dec. 2 killed Edward Costa, a 30-year-old self-employed construction worker and father of two.
Weber was taken into custody Dec. 4.
California Highway Patrol Officer Michael Edwards testified during a Jan. 21 preliminary hearing that when he searched a silver Ford F-150 belonging to the defendant, he found three empty half-pint bottles of vodka in the cab and seven empty beer cans in the bed of the vehicle.
Edwards said he questioned Weber the night he was arrested outside the Liars' Club Tavern and Grill in Alpine. The defendant told him he had been on a drinking binge for five days and woke up in Campo hours after the collision and had no idea how he got there, the officer said.
After his arrest, Weber had a blood-alcohol level of .19 percent, more than twice the legal limit of .08 percent, authorities said.
San Diego County sheriff's Sgt. Joseph Sprecco testified that people who attended a memorial gathering at the crash site spotted the pickup truck in the parking lot across the street.
CHP Officer Sid Turner said green paint from the the victim's mountain bike was found on a bumper of the truck, and debris found at the scene -- specifically a broken headlight -- matched what remained on the truck.
A woman testified that Weber rear-ended her about 20 minutes before the fatal crash, and that he became angry and screamed at her while they were exchanging information.
Edwards said a witness told him he saw Weber drive away quickly from the fender-bender. The witness said the pickup went into the opposing traffic lanes and then over-corrected to the embankment.
Weber had previous DUI convictions in New York and San Diego, said Deputy District Attorney Gordon Davis.
Friends and Family Speak
ALPINE - Relatives of the cyclist who was killed in a hit-and-run in Alpine are speaking out.
30-year-old Eddie Costa was killed Tuesday while riding on this mountain bike. He was cycling east along the 2800 block of Alpine Boulevard when he was struck from behind.
Surveillance images show a white truck driving on the shoulder just before the impact occurred.
The victim's relatives sent a message to their loved one.
"We're strong and I got KP and the boys covered," promised Eddie's cousin, Joseph Costa. "Don't worry, I'll be there for your pops. I love you bro -- I love you."
Eddie's wife Kristine and his loved ones mourned in the spot where he was killed. They are absolutely devastated by Eddie's death. They say the young man had gotten his life together and was in a great place, recently married and father to two sons.
"I've lost the closest friend and family member that I have," said Joseph. "Ed was like my best friend. I miss him already and it's only been a day."
Friends and family remember Edward Costa who was killed by hit-and-run driver in Alpine.
