Teen Ramius Hardiman Enters Plea In Deadly Crash
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- An 18-year-old Cedar Rapids man charged with vehicular homicide has entered an Alford plea to involuntary manslaughter.
The Gazette newspaper said Ramius Hardiman entered the plea on Wednesday in Linn County District Court in the November 2010 crash that killed 17-year-old Jose Mendoza, also of Cedar Rapids.
Under an Alford plea, Hardiman didn't admit guilt but agreed that evidence likely existed for a conviction.
Involuntary manslaughter carries a penalty of up to five years in prison. Prosecutors said the state will recommend probation at sentencing, which wasn't immediately set.
Hardiman was allegedly driving drunk.
Defense attoey Victoria Cole said there were serious problems in the case, including inconsistent statements and evidence indicating someone else may have been driving the car that night.
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Mike Gallagher
Freelance writer with a passion for travelling
