WILLISTON-- A driver accused of killing a pedestrian who was trying to cross Main Street in downtown Williston late last year has pleaded guilty to negligent homicide.
Bryan Wipf, 22, appeared Thursday in court, where he admitted to hitting Lyle Forsberg while he was driving on a suspended license.
In March, Wipf, of Williston, pleaded not guilty to manslaughter, a Class B felony. A trial was set for next week and plans for jury selection were in place, but were canceled after Wipf opted to accept an agreement created by attorneys.
As part of the deal, prosecutors amended the manslaughter charge to negligent homicide, a Class C felony.
Williams County prosecutor Nathan Madden recommended a five-year prison sentence, with three years suspended, and credit for the time Wipf has served in jail since his December arrest. A 30-day sentence for driving with a suspended license is also part of the proposed deal, Madden said.
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A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
Authorities say Wipf was waiting to make a left turn off of Second Street to head north on Main Street when he struck Forsberg, who was crossing Main Street heading east the afternoon of Dec. 22.
Forsberg, 64, suffered internal injuries and died on the way to a Minot hospital.
