PAW PAW, Mich. — Christopher Toppenberg faces sentencing Monday after pleading guilty to the death of 2 men in Van Buren County.
The men, 40-year-old Jason McCreary and 35-year-old David Reed, were setting off fireworks at a New Year's celebration when it happened.
Police told FOX 17 Toppenberg thought the men were done setting off fireworks and claimed he made what they called a 'verbal acknowledgement' before firing an AR-15-styled rifle.
CHARGES
PLEAD GUILTY
Using a weapon under the influence, causing death
DROPPED
2nd-degree murder
Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony (2 counts)
Toppenberg plead guilty in June to using a weapon under the influence causing death in exchange for dropping 2 charges each of 2nd-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
According to The Michigan Penal Code, this charge is a felony carrying the possibility of 15 years in prison, fines between $2,500 and $10K, or both.
Sentencing is scheduled for 10:45 a.m. in Van Buren's 36th Circuit Court in Paw Paw.
