Ronan man accepts plea
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For killing his passenger in a drunk-driving crash, a Ronan man has accepted a plea agreement that could result in a 15-year sentence to the Montana Department of Corrections with half of that time suspended.
Brayden A’twen Cutfinger, 21, pleaded guilty at District Court in Polson on April 2 to the amended charges of negligent homicide and criminal endangerment. The guilty plea includes the joint recommendation of 10 years at the DOC with five years suspended for negligent homicide and five years, two-and-a-half years suspended, for criminal endangerment.
According to court records, on May 8, 2019, Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Zach Miller was called out to a fatal car wreck on Hillside Road near Two Creek Lane. At the scene, Miller discovered a wrecked silver Bonneville Pontiac and a deceased person who was covered with a blanket. The victim was later identified as Tania Oldhorn, 30.
Miller’s investigation shows the vehicle struck a fence and a tree before coming to a stop. Cutfinger initially denied being the driver or being intoxicated. After a lengthy investigation, he admitted to both allegations. Cutfinger remains incarcerated with bail set at $50,000. District Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher set sentencing for May 28.
