See Hazelbaker Plead Guilty in Accidental Shooting

Scott Hazelbaker, of Ankeny, could spend five years in prison for an accidental shooting that killed his daughter, Emily Hazelbaker, 18.

Hazelbaker pleaded guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter in court Tuesday.

Hazelbaker pointed his gun at his daughter and pulled the trigger, but believed the safety was on June 14. He attempted to explain her death in court Tuesday, according to an AP report and the KCCI video above.

Hazelbaker, 51, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and assault causing serious injury, which are both Class D felonies, after the June 14 incident.

The assault without intent causing serious injury charge was be dismissed as part of the agreement, according to a report in the Des Moines Register.

Obituary: Emily Hazelbaker, 18, Ankeny - Obituaries

Early reports indicated that Hazelbaker pointed the gun at his daughter and pulled the trigger without realizing it was loaded, according to a release from the Ankeny Police Department.

Hazelbaker graduated from South East Polk High School and was studying at DMACC to become a dental hygienist, according to an obituary.

See More on Patch:

Father Charged In Fatal Shooting of Ankeny Woman

Trial Date Set for Father Who Shot, Killed Daughter 

Father Speaks About Daughter He Fatally Shot in Accident

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