Vermont man takes plea deal in fatal bridge brawl

(WCAX)
Published: Jan. 17, 2020 at 1:56 PM EST
Email This Link
Share on Pinterest
Share on LinkedIn

A Winooski man has admitted to his role in the death of a rival in 2018. Joshua Granger, 21, took a plea deal for a lesser charge on Friday, meaning he'll face no additional jail time. Our Dom Amato has the details.

Granger spent almost a year and a half in jail after the fight in June 2018. Now, thanks to a deal struck between both sides, Granger faces strict conditions and will be on probation.

Friends and family of Jared Streeter were angry and emotional after learning a plea agreement was reached, that means Granger won't spend any more time behind bars.

"I don't like it one bit," said Luca Gilcris, a friend of Streeter. "I think he should have gotten more justice than what was given."

"We fought the fight to keep it as a second-degree murder," Chittenden County Deputy State's Attorney Ryan Richards said.

Granger admitted he punched Jared Streeter twice during a fight over a woman in June 2018. It happened in Burlington at the Blue Bridge over the Winooski River. The second punch caused Streeter to fall more than 50 feet off a ledge to his death.

"I just want to give my deepest condolences to the family, my deepest condolences, this was never the intention," Granger said.

A judge reduced the charge from second-degree murder to manslaughter.

"The judge didn't think we had enough evidence to show the defendant acted recklessly in a way that manifested extreme indifference to the value of human life," Richards explained.

Granger was sentenced to five years of probation and strict conditions.

"He needs to walk the line, he needs to not get anymore charges," Richards said.

Friends and family of Streeter believe Justice was not served.

"Justice for Jared and we miss him. Justice for you, bro, like it's really tragic, no one should go through that kind of thing," Gilcris said.

Streeter's mother, who was visibly emotional in the courtroom did not want to make a statement to the court or to WCAX News on camera. But she did give Dom the statement she planned to read. It's says, in part: "I have been stuck in 2018. I don't know how to move on from that terrible day. Some people say it gets easier, but for me it's gotten harder. I had a lot of hope as all did to see justice for my son. This is not justice."

According to the judge, Granger's probation can be changed to New York state, as well.