CALDWELL, Idaho — A Kuna man who struck and killed a motorcyclist in Nampa last year was sentenced Wednesday to retained jurisdiction in the case.
Joshawa Bechtel, 31, could face 12 years in prison if he does not satisfactorily complete the year-long rider program, the judge ruled.
According to investigators, Bechtel tried to either turn left or make a U-turn on Idaho Center Boulevard May 6, hitting an oncoming motorcycle.
The man on the motorcycle, 24-year-old Zachary Spoolstra of Nampa, was rushed to a local hospital but died from his injuries. Bechtel pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter in January.
In addition to the rider, Bechtel was ordered to pay $750 in fines and court costs, along with $8547.85 in restitution. His license will also be suspended for five years.
