NEWS

Man admits to drinking, smoking pot before fatal crash

The Associated Press

BILLINGS — A driver who fled the scene after striking and killing a pedestrian on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.

The Billings Gazette reports that 44-year-old Marlin Dell Whitedirt entered his plea in federal court Tuesday in the victim’s November 2013 death. His plea deal calls for prosecutors to recommend a two-year sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sullivan says the victim had been walking near the fog line along Highway 212 when he was struck by Whitedirt’s Chevrolet Suburban and died. Whitedirt fled the scene.

In court Tuesday, Whitedirt admitted he had been drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana before the crash.

His sentencing has been set for March 10.