SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) - A northwestern Iowa man has pleaded guilty to reduced charges in the drunken driving death last year of his cousin.
Darrick Toel, 39, of Le Mars, pleaded guilty Thursday to vehicular homicide while driving recklessly and to operating while intoxicated, the Sioux City Journal reported. In exchange for his plea, a more serious charge of vehicular homicide while driving intoxicated was dropped.
Under the deal, Toel also agreed to an 11-year prison term when he’s sentenced Feb. 17.
Authorities estimated Toel was speeding at 90 mph July 1 on a rural highway just northeast of Sergeant Bluff when he lost control of his car and struck a tree. Toel’s passenger, 37-year-old Ryan Toel of Struble, died two days later from his injuries. Darrick Toel suffered only minor injuries.
Investigators found several cans of beer at the scene of the crash and say Darrick Toel’s blood alcohol level tested over the legal limit to drive.
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