Covel changes plea in manslaughter case

     At the request of April Covel’s defense attorney, a plea hearing in her case involving charges of homicide by vehicle while under the influence and involuntary manslaughter was set for 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 12. According to Jones County Attorney Phil Parsons, Covel pleaded guilty manslaughter and OWI. She was sentenced to a total of six years in prison (five years for manslaughter and one year for OWI).

     A sentencing hearing has been set for XX.

     Covel’s charges stem from a March 8, 2017 accident near the intersection of S. Cedar Street and W. Washington Street. The accident resulted in the death of 8-year-old Cassandra Rieken, of Monticello.

     Covel previously pleased not guilty to those charges in December 2017.