NEW ULM, Minn. – A Minnesota homeowner who killed a fleeing intruder won't go to prison and could stay out of jail under a plea deal.
Sixty-five-year-old David Pettersen, who lives near the town of Madelia, shot Nicolas Embertson on Jan. 28 as the 19-year-old from Madelia and two of his friends drove off after a failed home invasion.
Pettersen was charged with manslaughter but pleaded guilty in Watonwan County District Court this week to a lesser charge of discharging a firearm.
His attorney, Jim Fleming, told the Star Tribune (http://strib.mn/2pErpM7 ) Thursday it was self-defense and they wanted to avoid the risk of a trial.
While the judge could sentence Pettersen to one year in the county jail, plus two years of probation, Fleming says he'll argue against jail time at sentencing July 11.
___
Information from: Star Tribune, http://www.startribune.com