Motorcyclist faces 5 years in DUI crash that killed Bridgeport woman, 78

BRIDGEPORT — A local man is facing up to five years in prison after he pleaded no contest Monday to running over a 78-year-old woman with his motorcycle and killing her.

Rhashaun Houser, 35, of Pearl Harbor Place, pleaded no contest to second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol before Superior Court Judge Peter McShane.

While Houser told the judge he was not contesting the charges he said he was not admitting to any civil liability in the case. The judge then found him guilty of the charges.

Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Ann Lawlor said she was recommending Houser serve a fiveyear prison term but the judge said Houser’s lawyer, Edward Murnane, would have the right to argue for a lesser term when Houser is sentenced July 13.

Murnane declined comment as he left the Golden Hill Street courthouse.

According to police, on July 9, 2020, officers responding to a crash at the intersection of State Street and Park Avenue found 78-year-old Patricia Stephenson of Park Avenue lying in the street with multiple injuries. She was taken to Bridgeport Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

Police said they talked to several witnesses at the scene and viewed surveillance video of the area.

They said a man later identified as Houser had been driving a motorcycle eastbound on State Street at a high speed when the vehicle struck Stephenson as she crossed State Street.

Police said the motorcycle struck Stephenson with such force that it caused her to become entangled in the front end of the bike, carrying her for several feet before she was thrown onto the street.

Houser fell off the motorcycle which continued traveling upright through the intersection before crashing into a light pole, police said.

Police said Houser was taken to Bridgeport Hospital for treatment of bruises and abrasions. While at the hospital he told nurses, “I shouldn’t have left the house to get another drink,” police said.

Police said he was found to have a blood/alcohol level of 0.11, or nearly 1.5 times the legal limit.

According to her obituary, Stephenson graduated from Bassick High School and attended barber school. She was employed by Ray’s Barber Shop for more than 20 years. She also worked at Fairfield Manor.

She was predeceased by her parents and husband, Luis Stephenson.