NEWPORT, Wash. -- The man accused in the dragging death of a 20-year-old college student during a camping trip last fall will be sentenced for second-degree manslaughter after reaching a deal with prosecutors in Pend Oreille County.

Wendell C. Sinn Jr., 45, has entered an Alford plea to the charge, meaning he didn't admit guilt but felt he'd be found guilty if he went to trial for the death of Jerid S. Sturman-Camyn.

The Eastern Washington University student was dragged more than 13 miles to his death last Nov. 24 after being tied to a truck driven by Sinn's teenage son near Usk, Wash.

The sheriff's office said Sinn's son didn't know he was dragging Sturman-Camyn when he drove away. Police said the teen called them and said someone was chasing him with an ax. At the same time someone else called 911 to tell dispatchers a pickup was dragging a body down the road.

Sinn, of Newman Lake, faces 21 months to 27 months in prison and will be sentenced next Monday.