Defendant pleads guilty in Halloween homicide of Yuba City man

A suspect charged with killing a Yuba City man outside a downtown Chico bar on Halloween night pleaded guilty Tuesday.

Allen Paul Peters Jr. of Chico faces up to four years in jail after pleading guilty to a felony count of involuntary manslaughter in the death of William Dennis Collinsworth Jr.

Butte County Superior Court Judge Steven Howell told Peters that his attorney would likely ask for probation during the April 17 sentencing.

The judge said he would consider several factors, including Peters' conduct out of custody and his progress on treating his apparent problems with alcohol. Peters remains out of custody on bail with conditions until sentencing.

Manslaughter is defined as an unlawful killing without malice.

"I think a tragic event that occurred on Halloween has been resolved and will lead to a just result," said defense attorney Grady Davis.

According to accounts at the time, Peters got into an argument with Collinsworth, 35, inside a Main Street bar on Halloween night. The two men went outside and Peters allegedly punched Collinsworth once in the face.

Collinsworth fell to the pavement and struck his head. He died from head injuries two days later.

Witnesses attempted to detain Peters, but he fled.

An anonymous tip led to police calling Peters at his Garner Lane address on Nov. 5. He surrendered at the Chico Police Department shortly thereafter.

As a result of his guilty plea, Peters was found in violation of probation. Last June, Peters was placed on court probation for three years for misdemeanor driving under the influence.