After almost two and-a-half years in the court system and much legal maneuvering, the case of a local man originally charged with murder is about to come to an end with formal sentencing next week.

According to a press release by Commonwealth Attorney Jesse M. Stockton, Jr., “on Wednesday, August 28, 2013, Ira B. Dyer, III entered a plea of guilty to Manslaughter 2nd Degree Enhanced by Persistent Felony Offender 2nd Degree for a recommended sentence of twenty (20) years. The defendant also pled guilty to the charge of three (3) counts of Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree for a recommended sentence of five (5) years on each count to run concurrently for a total of five (5) years. The twenty (20) year sentence and the five (5) year sentence shall run consecutively for a total of twenty-five (25) years to serve. The Commonwealth opposed probation. The defendant is scheduled for final sentencing before the Honorable David L. Williams in Clinton Circuit Court on September 16, 2013. The trial had previously been scheduled for September 4-6, 2013.”

Dyer was indicted by a Clinton County Grand Jury about two years ago in connection with a two-vehicle accident which occurred in Clinton County in late April of 2011. That accident resulted in the death of 79-year-old Albany resident Ina Edwards. A total of three other people–in separate vehicles–were injured in the collision that occurred on U.S. 127 about two miles north of Albany.

Dyer was originally charged with murder, different counts of wanton endangerment and various other felony and misdemeanor charges in relation to the accident.

Following formal indictment, a host of legal actions, including motions, a competency hearing, and several trial date delays took place in the case.

The defendant entered the plea on the lesser charge of second degree manslaughter less than a week prior to the date in which his trial was to begin.

Dyer was represented in the case by Public Defender Angie Capps of Burkesville, with Stockton prosecuting the case.