ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. (AP) – A Vermont man who accidentally shot his 17-year-old son to death while they were turkey hunting has pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter in exchange for a deferred three-year sentence.

Kevin J. Kadamus shot his son as the two hunted in Wheelock, Vt., on the first day of turkey hunting season May 1. Police say Jacob Kadamus had strayed into the area where his father was hunting. The teenager died at the scene.

The 45-year-old Kadamus appeared Tuesday before a judge and entered the plea to the felony under an agreement with the prosecution. Kadamus will not serve jail time unless he violates the terms of probation over the next three years.

Prosecutor Lisa Warren called the plea agreement a fair disposition of the case, given the circumstances.

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