A man charged with homicide by vehicle entered a guilty plea in Bartow Superior Court this week.  Thirty-one year old, Brandon Todd Cochran of Talking Rock pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle first degree, driving under the influence of controlled substances, possession of drug-related objects and failure to yield right of way.  Cochran was sentenced to 6 years to serve incarcerated and 15 years to serve on probation.

The charges stem from a two-vehicle accident that occurred in Emerson on February 17, 2017.  The crash occurred on Highway 41 at Stars Way near the LakePoint Sporting Community. Thirty-four year Old, Ricky Brand of Emerson died in the crash.  Cochran was the driver of a Honda Civic traveling south on Joe Frank Harris Parkway.  The Civic turned in front of a Dodge Ram, killing his passenger Ricky Brand. The driver of the Ram was not injured.

Cochran suffered injuries and was transported to Cartersville Medical Center for treatment.

Cochran was booked into the Bartow County Jail on March 1.  According to the indictment, blood and urine test revealed that he had marijuana, meth, and amphetamine in his system at the time of the accident.  He will receive credit for time served and he must pay a $1,500 fine.

FROM WEIS radio