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FARMINGTON, Utah (AP) -- The teenage passenger of a car that was involved in a road-rage accident that resulted in the death of a volunteer firefighter will be tried in adult court.
Cole Todd Sorensen, now 17, pleaded innocent Thursday to misdemeanor charges of negligent homicide and reckless endangerment during his first appearance in adult court. He asked for the change from juvenile court in order to have a jury trial, which was set for June 27-28.
The Clinton boy was 16-years-old when he allegedly pulled on the car's emergency brake.
Police say that led to the Aug. 27 accident on Sunset's Main Street, where the car crashed into firefighter David Scott Parsell's motorcycle, killing the 22-year-old.
The car's 16-year-old driver earlier pleaded guilty to homicide by assault. He has served his time in detention, had his driver license suspended and is on probation until he is at least 18.
The teens told police that a minivan stopped suddenly in front of them, forcing them to swerve and collide head-on with Parsell's motorcycle.
Benjamin Guy Lansford, 28, of Roy, also is charged with negligent homicide and reckless endangerment in the accident. Police say Lansford, who has a hearing Tuesday, was the van's driver.
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
