Niskayuna man pleads guilty in death of cyclist

Joshua Paniccia, 18, admits he was driving 83 mph when he struck and killed David Ryan last June

By DENNIS YUSKO, Staff writer
Last updated: 12:40 p.m., Tuesday, March 15, 2005

BALLSTON SPA -- An 18-year-old Niskayuna man pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide this morning for hitting and killing a cyclist with his speeding car last June in Rexford.

Joshua Paniccia admitted in Saratoga County Court that he had been driving over 80 mph on Riverview Road when he lost control of his vehicle and struck David Ryan, a 32-year-old physicist. Ryan died at the scene.

``I was driving my vehicle on a road a little too fast and hit and killed Mr. Ryan,'' Paniccia told the court as part of his plea.

``I think 83 mph is more than a little fast,'' District Attorney James A. Murphy III said.

Riverview Road's speed limit is 45 mph.

Paniccia faces 1-3 years in state prison when he is sentenced on June 6.

Judge Jerry J. Scarano said he would consider youthful offender status for Paniccia. The sentence would remain the same, but his criminal record would be sealed after he serves his time, Murphy said.