RUPERT - Braun Catmull, charged with felony vehicular man-slaughter for the death of Steven Damron, is expected to plead guilty to a lesser charge and be sentenced in Minidoka County court in December.

Catmull, of Paul, allegedly crashed his 2007 Chevrolet Silverado into the 1984 Toyota SR5 Damron, 26, of Burley, was driving on Jan. 3.

"I don't know if we would ever be satisfied," said Damron's mother, Penny Shockey, on Thursday. "But the outcome is probably better than if we would have gone to trial."

Minidoka County Prosecutor Lance Stevenson said in a press release issued Thursday that a plea agreement was reached with Catmull on Oct. 27 through mediation conducted by 5th District Judge Randy Stoker in Twin Falls.

"The mediation was very emotional and difficult for all those involved. In the end, we were able to come to a just agreement that will serve to protect both the memory of Steven Damron and the community, and hold Mr. Catmull accountable for his action," Stevenson said in the press release.

"This crime has had a profound impact on Mr. Damron's family, and the mediation and negotiated agreement were able to take that into account."

Stevenson said in the release that the negotiated sentence will include jail time, community service, driver's license suspension, payment of child support for Damron's children, along with fines and court costs.

According to a Minidoka County sheriff's report, Catmull allegedly drove through a stop sign at 200S. 500 W. near Paul and collided into the passenger's side of Damron's vehicle. Damron was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene.

Catmull sustained serious injuries during the crash and spent 11 days in the hospital with a broken neck and internal injuries.

"I don't want to ruin the kid's life but I do want to deter people from doing the same thing to another family. If I can stop one family from dealing with this it will be worth it," Shockey said.

Shockey said since the crash she has experienced myriad emotions ranging from shock, grief and anger to concern for what the Catmull family is experiencing. She also had moments of doubt after the plea agreement was signed that it was the right way to resolve the case.

"I felt like I sold out and didn't fight hard enough for his memory," Shockey said.

"But the justice system is so bogged down that it can't always deliver justice. Because he (Catmull) was not impaired, the punishment is less."

Laurie Welch may be reached at lwelch@magicvalley.com or 208-677-8767.