KINGMAN – A mandatory prison plea agreement has been entered in a vehicular homicide in Topock. James Edwards, 51, pleaded guilty April 9 to manslaughter in the January 20 death of John Bondello, 49.
Deputy Mohave County attorney Rod Albright said Edwards and a female friend were visiting Bondello from Buckeye. He said the trio drank at a bar and there was an argument before they returned to Bondello’s home in the 13000 block of South Shore Parkway.
Albright told Judge Doug Camacho that Bondello was armed with a shotgun when he told Edwards and the woman to leave. He said Bondello refused when Edwards asked to be allowed inside to retrieve personal possessions.
Albright said Edwards began backing up before driving forward and running over Bondello who was fatally injured.
A stipulated 10.5-year prison term is expected to be imposed during a May 7 sentencing hearing.
Dave Hawkins