Charges laid from driving incidents

AP:A 28-year-old Northern California man has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of his friend, even though he didn't pull the trigger.

Authorities say William Roy Thietje of Redding had repeatedly rammed his van into an ex-girlfriend's car early last Sunday when another man fired at the vehicle to stop Thietje from running over a neighbour.

The bullet hit Thietje's friend, 28-year-old Beau Ray Halbert of Redding, who was riding in the passenger seat.

Thietje also has been charged with attempted first-degree burglary and assault with a deadly weapon. He pleaded not guilty on Wednesday in Shasta County Superior Court.

Authorities identified the man who fatally shot Halbert as Michael Lansdowne, who owns the home that Thietje's former girlfriend was visiting. Lansdowne is not charged with a crime.

A Philadelphia man accused of opening fire during the production of a rap video has been ordered to stand trial in the death of a man fatally struck by a car trying to get away.

The car's driver told a judge Wednesday he heard the gunfire and swerved around a car to get away, hitting 33 year-old Roger Long, who had fallen in the road while trying to get to safety.

A judge ordered 24-year-old Quintein Jenkins to stand trial on charges including third-degree murder, after hearing the testimony.

Jenkins' attorney says his client did not kill or target Long and isn't responsible for his death, but prosecutors argue Jenkins set off a chain of events that left Long dead.

A man involved in a road rage incident that resulted in a Magna woman's death two years ago has been sentenced to up to

five years in prison.

John Watkins was convicted of negligently operating a vehicle, causing the death of another person for the death of 52-year-old Sandra Harper.

Police say Watkins cut off Harper, who retaliated by pulling in front of him and hitting her brakes. Watkins then drove alongside, bumping her vehicle and causing it to roll. Harper died at the scene.

Toxicology tests showed Watkins had used meth and marijuana before the crash. Prosecutors recommended the 39 year-old be given credit for the one year he has already served in jail.