Case Against Clarksville Man Charged in Death of Charles City Bicyclist Dismissed

The case against a Clarksville man, charged in the death of a Charles City bicyclist in the summer of 2020, has been dismissed.

45-year-old Colby Elliott had been charged with homicide by vehicle-reckless driving, a Class C felony, in the August 2, 2020, death of Ellen Bengston. Law enforcement said Eliott was driving south on Floyd County Road T-64 when he was distracted to read a message on his cell phone. Court documents state the 24-year-old Bengston was riding her bike on the right side of the white fog line when she was hit by Elliott’s pickup and knocked into the west ditch.  She later died as a result of her injuries.

Eliott pleaded not guilty and his trial began Tuesday. Elliott’s defense attorney asked for a judgment of acquittal, arguing the evidence against Elliott could not support a conviction even when viewed in the light most favorable to the prosecution.  The judge agreed and granted the motion Thursday, dismissing the case and ordering the state to pay court costs.