Opinion ID: 1451051
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Horwitz' trial and plea agreement

Text: As a result of the automobile accident, Horwitz was indicted on two counts of second degree murder and tried in early 1991. After close of evidence, the judge directed a verdict of acquittal on the second degree murder charge and instructed the jury on the lesser included charges of manslaughter and negligent homicide. The jury could not reach a verdict, however, and the judge declared a mistrial. Horwitz later pleaded guilty to two counts of negligent homicide. As part of the plea agreement, the state dismissed the charges from both the Elks Lodge and the grocery store incidents. On August 19, 1991, the trial judge sentenced Horwitz to two concurrent eight-year prison terms for each negligent homicide count. As a reason for imposing an aggravated sentence, the judge cited the fact that cocaine was in his system. Reporter's Transcript (R.T.), Aug. 19, 1991, at 35. [3]