Jury convicts snowmobiler in crash that killed Minnesota boy

A Minnesota jury has convicted a snowmobiler who struck and killed an 8-year-old boy on Chisago Lake.

Jurors on Tuesday convicted Eric Coleman, of Chisago City, of third-degree murder, drunken driving, criminal vehicular homicide and criminal vehicular operation.

Coleman's attorneys conceded he was guilty of the other charges, but not murder.

The crash last January killed second-grader Alan Geisenkoetter Jr. and injured his father, Alan Geisenkoetter Sr. The family was going ice-fishing when the boy was struck.

Prosecutors say Coleman's blood-alcohol level was measured at 0.165 percent three hours after the crash, more than twice the legal limit.

KMSP-TV reports Coleman is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 7.

Grow the Future of Public Media

MPR News is supported by Members. Gifts from individuals power everything you find here. Make a gift of any amount today to become a Member!