Negligent Homicide Sentencing: Whitefish Teen Sentenced for Traffic Death

A Whitefish teenager convicted of negligent homicide for a 2007 traffic death has been placed on probation until he is 25.

A judge Friday sentenced 16-year-old Phillip J. Wisnewski as a juvenile, but imposed a parallel sentence applicable if he violates terms of his probation when he's an adult. Wisnewski was sentenced to 10 years of supervision by the state Corrections Department, a term largely suspended. He must participate in a program for crime victims and perpetrators.

Wisnewski and friends were heading home from a rodeo last July when the vehicle he drove without a license collided with a vehicle transporting 22-year-old Sara J. Carter of Columbia Falls. She was injured fatally.