Benton - The Saline County prosecutor says a man has admitted in court that he was driving drunk, had cocaine in his system and was speeding when he struck and killed a bicyclist last October.

A news release from the office of Prosecutor Ken Casady said 37-year-old Kirk Shelnut of Benton pleaded guilty Tuesday to negligent homicide in the October 13th death of Christopher Daniels of Benton.

The release said Shelnut was sentenced by Circuit Judge Gary Arnold to three years in prison, followed by a seven-year suspended sentence. According to the release, Shelnut has paid restitution to Daniels' family for medical and funeral expenses.

The prosecutor's office said Daniels' father, Chris Daniels Sr., told the court that the victim's family forgave Shelnut and they were sorry his family would be without him while he is serving prison time.



(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

 Email To Friend           Digg It!