(Emmetsburg)– An Estherville man has pleaded guilty to reckless homicide by vehicle and two counts of serious injury by vehicle.
Juan Alcala entered the plea Tuesday as his trial was getting underway in Palo Alto County District Court in Emmetsburg.
Alcala had originally been charged with operating while intoxicated, first offense; two counts of serious injury by vehicle; and homicide by vehicle.
The crash last July claimed the life of Brent Weir of Estherville. Authorities say Alcala lost control of the vehicle as he was traveling west on Highway 18 near Cylinder. The vehicle left the road and rolled in the south ditch, ejecting the occupants.
Weir, who was a passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other passengers and Alcala were hospitalized with multiple injuries.
Sentencing for Alcala is set for May 27th.
