COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A semi-driver charged in connection with a fatal traffic accident in Branch County that happened early last year was sentenced today in District Court. 25-year old Kenneth Nelson-Carpenter of Ionia was given a term of 6 months in the Branch County Jail after entering a plea in June to a reduced charge of attempted moving violation causing death.
Killed in the crash on U.S. 12 west of Coldwater when his car was struck from behind by the semi as he was getting ready to turn left onto Nash Road to return to his home was 75-year old Bobby King. State Police say when Nelson-Carpenter’s semi struck King’s vehicle, it caused his car to spin out of control and be struck broadside as it careened into the path of a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction. King was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision that occurred February 22, 2014.
Nelson-Carpenter was originally charged with the one year misdemeanor count of moving violation causing death.
