Monson man enters no contest plea to manslaughter charge

DOVER-FOXCROFT – The driver of a vehicle that struck a Monson pedestrian who later died pleaded no contest to manslaughter in Piscataquis County Superior Court Tuesday.

Sentencing for Konrad Thornley, 23, of Monson, charged in the January 2003 death of Albert Wheaton, 51, was continued until May. Chief Justice Nancy Mills, who presided over Tuesday’s proceeding, said she would not accept Thornley’s plea until she determined that the recommended plea-bargained sentence was appropriate.

“I’m just sorry,” the young man tearfully said, in court.

Piscataquis County District Attorney R. Christopher Almy said testimony would show that Wheaton was struck while walking from a convenience store back to his home at about 8:47 p.m. Jan. 19. Witnesses would testify that Thornley had purchased beer that night and left the store driving recklessly, he said. There was no snow or ice on the road, but Thornley lost control of his vehicle after leaving the convenience store and it struck Wheaton who was near the fire station, Almy explained.

Wheaton suffered massive injuries to both sides of his head, one from being cartwheeled onto the hood of the vehicle and the other when he struck the pavement, he continued. The victim was airlifted to Mayo Regional Hospital and transferred to Eastern Maine Medical Center where he was placed on life support until his Feb. 4 death.

Although Thornley could face up to 40 years in jail for the Class A crime, Almy has recommended a plea-bargained sentence of three years in prison with all but 30 days suspended, two years probation, restitution and license suspended for five years. The sentence is acceptable to Wheaton’s immediate family, he noted.

No agreement has been reached on the amount of restitution. Almy plans to push for a “very big amount” of money as restitution for Wheaton’s medical costs, although it was noted in court that Thornley has little money. The vehicle used by Thornley that night was uninsured. Almy said he expects Wheaton’s family will receive $15,000 from the Maine State Crime Victims Compensation Fund to help pay for some of the medical expenses, but much more is needed.