Airman pleads no contest in fatal shooting

[unhappycamper]

Airman pleads no contest in fatal shooting
By Zachary Franz - Great Falls (Mont.) Tribune
Posted : Thursday Feb 19, 2009 20:34:49 EST

A decorated airman accused of fatally shooting a friend and fellow Air Force member last May pleaded no contest to negligent homicide Wednesday.

Jonathon Higgins, 23, entered the plea after prosecutors agreed to recommend a 15-year sentence to the Department of Corrections, with 10 of those years suspended.

The plea agreement is nonbinding, meaning Judge Julie Macek is free to impose a different sentence. Higgins can withdraw his plea if Macek chooses a sentence other than the one recommended by prosecutors.

Sentencing is set for April 15.

In a no contest plea, a defendant agrees to not fight the charge, but doesn’t admit guilt.


Rest of article at: http://airforcetimes.com/news/2009/02/gns_airman_shooting_021909/%2e