A Collinsville woman pleaded guilty in Madison County court Wednesday to involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of Andrew Birch.

Katelyn R Stapleton

Katelyn R. Stapleton, 27, of Collinsville, had earlier pleaded not guilty. In an agreement reached with the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, Stapleton changed her plea in exchange for a sentence of two-year’s probation and 10 months in jail. Stapleton, who has been in jail since May, was given credit for time served, day-for-day, and was set to be released on Wednesday or Thursday morning.

First Assistant State’s Attorney Jennifer Vucich told the court that Birch and Stapleton were sitting together on a counch in the early morning hours of Feb. 23 at Birch’s home in the 600 block of Arrowhead. A gun was present and both Birch and Stapleton handled it. Stapleton pulled the trigger on the gun and a single gunshot struck Birch in the head. The 23 year old was later pronounced dead at Anderson Hospital from the wound.

Two other residents of the home were present at the time. Stapleton and the roommates all cooperated with the investigation, former Collinsville Assistant Police Chief Tom Coppotelli said in February.

The case went before a grand jury, which indicted Stapleton on May 15 of involuntary manslaughter, a Class 3 felony. Stapleton, who had no prior felony charges, faced 2-5 years in prison if convicted.

After Judge Kyle Napp sentenced Stapleton, Birch’s mother, Dawn, read a victim’s impact statement for the family. Calling it the last act she could do for her son, Dawn said one careless, reckless act had almost destroyed the family.

“I’m not sure how myself, his father or his brother will go on,” Dawn said.

With Birch’s family weeping as Dawn read her statement, she said they have many questions about the night that have gone unanswered.

“There has been no remorse from you for your careless, reckless act,” Dawn said.