EVERETT — An Everett man who fatally shot another man after a party last year on W. Casino Road pleaded guilty Friday to manslaughter.
Prosecutors initially charged Anthony R. Devera, 21, with second-degree murder in connection with the Jan. 19 death of Pavel Datskiy, 24, of Lynnwood.
During the course of the investigation it became apparent that Devera had a viable self-defense claim if the case went to trial, Snohomish County deputy prosecutor Adam Cornell said Friday.
Additionally, investigators were having problems locating witnesses for the prosecution. Datskiy’s mother and sister did not object to the plea agreement, Cornell told the judge.
Devera, who had no prior felony convictions, faces 6 1/2 to 8 1/2 years in prison. Prosecutors expect to ask for a high-end sentence next month.
As part of the plea agreement, Devera admitted that he went to a party at condominium and other partygoers knew that he had drugs with him. Witnesses told police that the defendant and the victim had been using heroin and drinking during the party.
Most of the guests had left, but Devera and Datskiy remained overnight.
Devera claimed that Datskiy threatened him. The Everett man thought he was going to be robbed and shot Pavel once in the chest, according to the statement that defense attorney Mark Mestel wrote in the agreement.
Devera admitted that his actions were excessive and reckless.
Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463; hefley@heraldnet.com.
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