CANTON — St. Lawrence County District Attorney Gary M. Pasqua announced that Blakely Houle, 23, of Massena, has pled guilty to second-degree manslaughter and second degree assault on June 9.

Houle stood accused of killing James Hayes, 30, when Hayes was struck by a minivan driven by Houle on May 29 last year, according to police.

The plea was taken following the completion of the District Attorney's Office's presentation of evidence, after which Houle admitted to recklessly causing the death of James Hayes in Massena on May 29, 2021, Pasqua said.

Houle also admitted to recklessly causing serious physical injury to another person by means of a dangerous instrument for the same incident, according to Pasqua.

Houle will appear in court again for sentencing on Aug. 22.

Houle is a second felony offender based on a prior felony conviction for fourth degree criminal possession of stolen property involving firearms.

“The Court has committed to sentence the defendant to an indeterminate term with the New York State Department of Corrections with a minimum of 6 years and a maximum of 12 years for his conviction of Manslaughter in the Second Degree. The defendant will also be sentenced to a 6 year determinate sentence for his conviction of Assault in the Second Degree. The sentences will run concurrently,” according to a press release from Pasqua.

“D.A. Pasqua commends Assistant District Attorney Alexander Nichols and Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Joshua Haberkornhalm for their skilled prosecution and dedication to the case. D.A. Pasqua thanks the Massena Village Police Department and the New York State Police for providing assistance with the prosecution.”