Man pleads to killing friend in auto accident

A Kaplan man pleaded guilty to killing one of his best friends in an auto accident.
Kade Abshire, 24, faces three to 30 years in prison in the dath of Pete Johnson, 23, also of Kaplan.
In the wee hours of the morning on July 1, 2012, Abshire was driving his pickup north on La. 35 when it entered a left curve and traveled off the right side of the road, which caused his vehicle to overturn.
Abshire was not restrained and was ejected from the vehicle, receiving minor injuries. His passenger, Johnson, was also unrestrained and was killed.
State troopers discovered Abshire was under the influence of alcohol at the time. He was charged with DWI 1st offense, vehicular homicide, careless operation and no seatbelt. Abshire’s blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit.
Assistant Vermiliion DA Stanton Hardee said a plea agreement was reached between Abshire and the state. The state reduced the alcohol amount found in his body from .16 to .15. By reducing it to .15, Abshire has to serve a mandatory sentence of three years without parole. Had the level been .16, he would have had to serve at least five years without parole.
A presentence investigation was ordered by Judge Durwood Conque to determine how to sentence Abshire. The presentence investigation is expected to take 30 to 90 days.
Abshire is out on bail.