Tuesday May 09, 2017 7:36am

Coldwater, MI

By: Mike Stiles

(COLDWATER) – A man charged in a fatal crash last year will have a plea hearing next week.

Branch County Circuit Court Clerks say the trial of 32 year old Michael Penza of Montgomery, Michigan was supposed to start May 16. But that may be on hold after a plea hearing was set for next Monday afternoon.

Penza is charged with second degree homicide, operating while intoxicated causing death, possession of methamphetamine and a second offense of possession of marijuana.

Michigan State Police say Penza was driving south on Centennial Road in Branch County's Ovid Township on October 28 at 6:45 PM when he crossed the center line and struck a north bound vehicle driven by 54 year old Brenda Hutchinson of Ovid Township.

She was removed from her vehicle by rescue personnel and pronounced dead at the scene. Penza also had to be removed from his vehicle and was taken to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo.