Richmond man receives 20 years' imprisonment in vehicular manslaughter

A Richmond man was sentenced to 20 years in prison on March 23 on a charge of manslaughter for the vehicular death of Justin Varghese, 19, in 2021, according to a news release from the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office.

Cedric Adam Mayberry, 44, had pleaded guilty and asked 458th District Court Judge Chad Bridges to decide his punishment after an evidentiary hearing.

According to Chief Vehicular Crimes Prosecutor Alison Baimbridge, on October 29, 2021, Mayberry was traveling at excessive speeds on Murphy Road near Highway 90 when he struck the back of another vehicle. That vehicle was stopped a red light when Mayberry’s car hit him at approximately 83 miles per hour. Varghese died on impact.

The subsequent investigation revealed that Mayberry was traveling at speeds of up to 121 mph in the seconds leading up to the crash. The defendant’s speed at impact caused the victim’s vehicle to strike two more vehicles before coming to rest.

“Fort Bend County is doing everything possible to ensure the safety of its citizens from reckless drivers,” Baimbridge said in the release. “The defendant’s sentence sends a message that our citizens’ lives are valued and reckless behavior will not be tolerated.”

“Motor vehicles can be deadly weapons, and when used improperly, we will hold violators accountable," District Attorney Brian Middleton said. "Drivers in Fort Bend County should drive prudently, especially when approaching intersections and cross walk areas. A family shouldn’t be mourning the loss of their loved one, because this crime never needed to happen, but for the recklessness of the defendant.”

Manslaughter in this case is a second-degree felony punishable by 2 – 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Mayberry must serve at least half of his sentence before being considered for parole. He was probation eligible.