A Carroll County man is scheduled to be sentenced next month in connection with the death in September of his roommate, following an assault. 24-year old Travis Jeffrey Barker, of Coon Rapids, pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter, in the death of 28-year old William Smith.  Smith died September 4th at a hospital in Des Moines, following an altercation  the previous day, at the residence the men shared.

Authorities had initially charged Barker with 1st-degree murder, but Carroll County Attorney John Werden says the charge was reduced, because evidence in the case indicated Smith’s death was not premeditated. As part of the plea deal, both the prosecution and defense requested Barker serve a 5-year prison sentence.

Barker is scheduled to be sentenced on November 14th.