The driver of a 4-wheel drive vehicle that rolled over killing a Nevada County teenager in Yuba County in May of 2012 pleaded no contest to vehicular manslaughter charges in Yuba County court last week.  The driver, Tye Casto, 20 also of Nevada County took the recommendation of a  pre-plea disposition report to avoid jail time in regards to the death of Tyler Balke. According to Yuba County District Attorney, Patrick McGrath, Casto’s attorney negotiated with the DA’s office to have the case sent to the Probation Department to develop the report.
Click here to listen to Yuba County DA Patrick McGrath

Because alcohol or drugs were not involved, and evidence did not point towards gross criminal negligence, the vehicular manslaughter charge is a misdemeanor.
The sentence includes statutory fines and fees along with additional conditions.
Click here to listen to Yuba County DA Patrick McGrath

The maximum sentence for Casto could have been one year in county jail.
Click here to listen to Yuba County DA Patrick McGrath

McGrath says if Casto violates terms of probation, his sentence could be re-evaluated.
Click here to listen to Yuba County DA Patrick McGrath

The District Attorney says that tragic incidents like this can be avoided.
Click here to listen to Yuba County DA Patrick McGrath

A source close to Tyler Balke says Tyler was just two weeks from high school graduation and enlisting in the military when the accident occurred.