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Ronan Man Pleads Guilty to Negligent Homicide

By Beacon Staff

POLSON – A 19-year-old Ronan man has pleaded guilty to two counts of negligent homicide in a fiery motorcycle crash that killed two people.

Scott Gardipee admitted Wednesday in District Court at Polson that he was intoxicated on Aug. 28, 2006, when his Chevy Cavalier struck a motorcycle on Highway 93 just north of Ronan.

Killed in the crash were the motorcyclist, 55-year-old Frederick Roullier, and 26-year-old Patrick Finley, who was a passenger in Gardipee’s car.

Court records indicate speed was also a factor in the crash.

Gardipee was severely injured and spent several months recovering in a Seattle burn unit.

The state and defense will jointly recommend Gardipee be sentenced to 10 years in the custody of the state Corrections Department.

Sentencing is Feb. 25.