A judge in Nevada sentenced a man to five years in prison for his role in the death of a member of the Washoe Tribe.

Michael J. Ward, 21, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and battery for the beating death of Jeffrey John, 24, on June 24, 2005. John died as a result of the injuries he received during a confrontation at a house party.

The judge said Ward expressed remorse for John's death. Ward was facing up to 10 years in prison.

Karen Lund, who raised John, said his incident has affected the entire Washoe Tribe. "He (Ward) talks about moving away and starting over," Lundy testified, The Reno-Gazette Journal reported. "Jeff will never have that chance."

The case invoked racial sentiments. The people involved in the beating were Hispanic and African-American. John had gone to the party with fellow Washoe tribal members.

Get the Story:
Gardnerville Ranchos man sentenced in death of Washoe tribe member (The Reno Gazette-Journal 1/24)

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