LIVINGSTON COUNTY – A local teen pled guilty to Criminally Negligent Homicide in County Court on Tuesday, one of five charges following a lengthy investigation into a fatal single-car rollover in the Town of Ossian.
The driver of the vehicle, who is now 19 and was granted youthful offender status by Judge Robert Wiggins, admitted in court that it was his negligence as a driver that led to the death of his passenger, Connor Gilbert, 16, on August 18, 2013 on White Road in Ossian.
The driver stated that he does not remember the impact, but is willing to admit his guilt based on physical evidence obtained in a thorough investigation by multiple agencies.
“He doesn’t remember the accident,” said defense attorney, Joseph Pelych. “A black box was recovered from the vehicle, and an investigation by the fire department provided physical evidence for this case.”
The driver is also charged with Reckless Endangerment, Operating a Motor Vehicle while Impaired, and the violation of Failing to Stop at a Stop Sign.
According to a press release from the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office in August, the accident occurred after he lost control of his truck, which then rolled over and struck several trees. Gilbert died at the scene.
Sentencing is set for October 14 so that Gilbert’s family can report the funeral cost to Livingston County District Attorney Greg McCaffrey.
PHOTO CAPTION: File photo.