FARGO, N.D. (AP) - A man facing a murder charge in a fatal beating outside of a Fargo bar last year accepted a last-minute plea deal with prosecutors rather than go to trial.
Jason Oien was to stand trial this week on charges including murder in the May 2015 death of 35-year-old Joey Gaarsland.
Oien on Tuesday entered Alford pleas instead to reduced charges including manslaughter. That means he doesn’t admit guilt but acknowledges there’s enough evidence to convict him. A sentencing date wasn’t immediately scheduled.
Three other people charged in the case pleaded guilty earlier and were scheduled to testify against Oien. They’re to be sentenced next month.
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