GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) An airman who pleaded no contest to negligent homicide for the fatal shooting of a fellow Air Force member has been given a 20-year suspended prison sentence.

Twenty-three-year-old Jonathan Higgins appeared in court yesterday (Wednesday) for the May 5th death of 20-year-old John Howry. Higgins was ordered to spend 100 hours a year talking to students about gun safety and will be on probation for the next 20 years.

The co-workers at Malmstrom Air Force Base had been drinking at a barbecue in Great Falls when witnesses said Howry took out a knife, joking that he was going to shave Higgins. Higgins took a gun from his waistband and shot Howry in the abdomen.

District Judge Julie Macek says Higgins' military service, lack of any criminal record and general integrity were factors in her sentencing decision.

Information from: Great Falls Tribune, http://www.greatfallstribune.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 04-16-09 0457CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list