A Sandy man pleaded guilty Friday to a DUI-related automobile homicide in connection with the death of a Vermont man in August of 2000.
Jason Bradley Asplund, 24, was originally charged with second-degree felony criminal homicide. In exchange for Asplund's guilty plea, prosecutors lessened the charge to a third-degree felony.
The plea agreement reduces Asplund's sentence from a possible 15 years in prison to a maximum of five years. Asplund will be sentenced Oct. 26 by 3rd District Judge J. Dennis Frederick. He will remain free on bail pending his sentencing.
According to police, Asplund's pickup truck broadsided a sedan at the intersection of 900 South and Main Street about midnight on Aug. 10, 2000. The driver of the sedan and his passenger, Andy Greiner, 31, Woodstock, Vt., were taken to LDS Hospital. Greiner died about three hours after arriving at the hospital.
Court documents indicate Asplund's blood alcohol level within two hours of the fatal crash was 0.10, above the legal limit of 0.08. Asplund reportedly told police at the scene that he had consumed a "couple of beers."
Deputy District Attorney Richard Blaylock on Friday said he has spoken frequently with Greiner's family members, who OK'd the reduced charge.
"They would like some closure," Blaylock said.