Probation granted in manslaughter case

SANDPOINT — A Clark Fork man convicted of causing a deadly rollover crash while driving drunk was released onto probation on Tuesday.

Zachary Bradshaw Palmer was ordered to serve three to seven years in prison last August, but jurisdiction was retained in his case, which qualified him for probation after serving six months at the North Idaho Correctional Institution in Cottonwood.

During retained jurisdiction, also known as a rider, a defendant undergoes evaluation and takes part in rehabilitation programs.

By all accounts, Palmer’s time at Cottonwood was productive.

The Idaho Department of Correction recommended Palmer be placed on probation, a recommendation which was supported by the state and the defense, and adopted by 1st District Judge Steve Verby.

Palmer, 21, was charged with vehicular manslaughter following the Oct. 8, 2008, crash south of Clark Fork. Tyler James Pesce, an 18-year-old from Hope, was a front-seat passenger in Palmer’s vehicle and died of injuries sustained in the wreck.

Palmer entered a plea to the felony charge last spring. He thanked the court for the rider opportunity and said he received good counseling at Cottonwood.

“I learned a lot about myself,” he said.

Verby placed Palmer on probation for five years, suspended his driving privileges for two and ordered him to complete 500 hours of community service. He reminded Palmer abstaining from drug and alcohol use is crucial to successful probation.