Man who killed NHL Racing crewmember pleads guilty

An Indianapolis man has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the death of a Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing Indy Car Series crew member who suffered a stroke after a bar fight last year.

James P. Bracken, 30, entered his guilty plea Tuesday in Marion Superior Court and faces six to 20 years in prison at sentencing next month, shortly before the Indianapolis 500. In the lead-up to last year's race, Bracken attacked David "Davey" Evans, 63, outside a bar May 4 after the two had argued inside over Bracken's girlfriend.

Witnesses told police that Bracken kicked Evans in the head, sending him to the floor of a deck, according to a probable cause affidavit. The incident happened at Casablanca, a bar and restaurant in the 5800 block of Rockville Road.

Sentencing is set May 22, the same day as Carb Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but it is expected to be moved up to May 21 so that some of Evans' friends and colleagues can attend.

Prosecutors originally charged Bracken with murder, a move questioned by a legal expert who suggested manslaughter was more appropriate. Indy Star