Michael Rafferty of Hamilton pleaded guilty Friday to aggravated manslaughter in the death of 51-year-old Edwin Cruz-Rivera, while Thomas Haas of Chesterfield pleaded guilty to endangering an injured victim.
Mercer County prosecutors say Rafferty and Haas, who worked together, were headed home in separate vehicles when Rivera allegedly cut one of them off in April 2010. An argument involving all three men ensued, and it ended when Rafferty hit Cruz-Rivera in the head with a lead pipe.
Rafferty and Haas fled the scene, leaving Cruz-Rivera unconscious in the street.
Prosecutors say Haas will likely receive probation, while Rafferty faces a 10-year prison term when both men are sentenced later this year.
