STILLWATER — In an unusual development in a felony homicide case, a former heavy truck driver without a commercial license — who pleaded guilty two months ago to first-degree manslaughter in a 2002 fatal collision north of Cushing at the Highway 51 and Highway 18 intersection — was given a 90-day jail term Friday, followed by five years’ probation under a deferred sentence.
After District Judge Jason Reese announced his decision regarding the fate of Andrew J. Nielson, 23, of Carlsbad, NM, family members of the victim, Julie Johnson, quickly left the courtroom and were unavailable for comment.
Payne County Assistant District Attorney Jose Villarreal had sought a 20-year prison term, while defense lawyers asked for a deferred sentence for Nielson, who could have been given up to life in prison…