Justin Carpenter’s friends believe it was their showing in a packed courthouse last month that might have helped a judge understand how losing the 26-year-old in a motorcycle crash on Easter seemed senseless.

Carpenter, who has family in North Port, spent Easter at the home of Nestor Enchautegui Jr., one of his best friends, in Bradenton. Around 8 p.m., he left on his bike. Minutes later his Suzuki was hit by Julie Anne Bonnette, 55, who also had the green light but attempted to make a left-hand turn onto 60th Avenue West, driving her 2001 Chevrolet into Carpenter’s path. He was ejected. Bonnette, of Michigan, suffered minor injuries.