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ST. JAMES -- David Pettersen, the rural Madelia homeowner accused of fatally shooting a teenage trespasser on Jan. 29 at his home, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Watonwan County District Court to reckless discharge of a firearm. In exchange, a manslaughter charge has been dismissed.
Pettersen will be sentenced July 11 after admitting he fired the shot that killed Nicolas Embertson, 19, of Madelia as Embertson and two others fled in a car after an apparent burglary attempt at Pettersen’s home. Pettersen had told police he was trying to shoot the tires of the car.
After Pettersen’s court appearance, one of the other youths, Cornelius Ayers, 18, of Mankato pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary. A second burglary charge was dismissed.