Michigan Man Admits His Role in Deadly October Accident Near Casper

A Michigan man has admitted to his role in a deadly crash outside of Casper last October that killed a Montana man.

As part of a deal with prosecutors, 27-year-old Ryan Nordstrom pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated vehicular homicide in Natrona County District Court on Friday. In return, prosecutors will request a prison sentence of no longer than nine years.

According to eyewitness accounts, on Oct. 20, 2012, Nordstrom was driving erratically in a southbound lane of Interstate 25 when he rear-ended a slower southbound vehicle driven by 27-year-old Daniel Barto of Butte, Mont.

Barto, who was moving to Texas with his family, was found dead at the scene.

Investigators say computerized equipment in Nordstrom's vehicle indicated that Nordstrom had been traveling in excess of 80 mph seconds prior to the accident. Additionally, investigators say the throttle of Nordstrom's vehicle was at 100 percent just before the vehicle crashed into Barto's truck and U-Haul.

Prosecutors say Nordstorm attempted to dispose of a drug pipe and synthetic marijuana at the scene of the accident.

Nordstrom is free on $50,000 bond. Sentencing will take place at a later date.