Terry Lee Boss, 57, of Martin pleaded no contest Tuesday in Allegan County Circuit Court to second degree murder in connection with a traffic crash last April 26 that left an 8-month-old girl dead.
In exchange for the plea, prosecutors agreed to dismiss the remaining charges and to recommend a sentence of 13 and a half years in prison.
Prosecutors and Circuit Judge Emily Jipp said the facts supporting Boss’ plea include the location and date of the crash, and determination that Boss knowingly created a situation that was most likely to result in death or great bodily harm.
Jipp accepted the no contest plea and ruled that Boss’ bond will remain unchanged until sentencing.
Boss’ defense attorney maintained that his client is not a flight risk, and since the plea has been pending, for nine months Boss has been on SCRAM monitoring, has passed regular alcohol testing, attended meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, gone to counseling, and appeared at all court proceedings.
Boss last year was arraigned on charges of second-degree murder, operating while intoxicated causing death, and reckless driving causing death in a crash on Baseline Road in Trowbridge Township.
Lucia Iris Seifried, an 8-month-old baby who had been playing in the yard near the water with her family was struck and killed by one of the vehicles involved in the crash.
Allegan County Sheriff’s authorities said Boss was driving a west bound truck, crossed the centerline, sideswiping an eastbound truck causing minor damage. The westbound truck lost control and went off the roadway and overturned striking several people who were off the roadway and a tree before coming to rest in the shallow portion of Baseline Lake.
The occupants of the eastbound truck were not injured, but two people from off the roadway were transported to local area hospitals for treatment. The at-fault driver and a passenger were also transported to a local hospital for treatment. Police said speed and alcohol both appeared to be a factor.
