A DoorDash driver who fatally shot a pedestrian during a road rage incident near Stateline Speedway has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, though whether a judge will accept the pretrial settlement offer in the case remains to be seen.

Edsel R. Johnson pleaded guilty Thursday morning to voluntary manslaughter in the May 9 shooting of Bradley Rex, an offense that carries a maximum possible penalty of 15 years in prison. He also pleaded guilty to reckless driving and battery, both misdemeanors punishable by up to six months in jail. 

Prosecutors originally charged Johnson with first-degree murder, as well as reckless driving and battery. 

"A plea agreement is a compromise," Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney Stan Mortensen said in court. "We don't think any party is really walking away completely satisfied, but we all understand there are certain risks at trial. This resolution makes it so that there's some certainty in the matter."  

Prosecutors said Johnson was attempting to deliver food May 9 when he encountered vehicle and pedestrian traffic along North Beck Road. Thousands had gathered in the area for the Lantern Festival at the Speedway.  

Johnson allegedly grew impatient and drove his van through a crowd of pedestrians. Prosecutors said several people jumped out of the way except for Rex, who remained in place. 

As Johnson drove past Rex, prosecutors said Rex swung a lawn chair at the van, hitting a rear window. Johnson allegedly got out of his van and "body slammed" Rex to the ground. Rex got up and grabbed the driver's side door.  

Prosecutors said Johnson pulled a gun out and shot Rex in the chest. 

That Johnson shot and killed Rex was never in dispute. Prosecutors planned to make the case to jurors that Rex had witnessed Johnson commit the crimes of reckless driving and battery and was within his rights to stop Johnson and attempt to place him under citizen’s arrest. 

Defense counsel for Rex has argued that the killing was lawful. Under Idaho law, homicide is justifiable when committed against someone who is attempting to enter an occupied vehicle by force. 

As part of the pretrial settlement offer, prosecutors and defense counsel have proposed a Rule 11 plea deal. 

A Rule 11 plea agreement is a deal in which the defendant pleads guilty to a charge in exchange for a specific sentence. A judge can accept or reject a Rule 11 agreement but cannot alter the terms. 

In exchange for Johnson's guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to recommend a 15-year sentence with parole eligibility after four years and to dismiss a sentencing enhancement. 

First District Judge Regina McCrea said she won't decide whether to accept the Rule 11 agreement until after Johnson undergoes a presentence investigation. If the court rejects the agreement, Johnson can withdraw his guilty pleas. 

Rex's loved ones wept quietly in the back of the courtroom during the hearing. 

Diego Madrid, whose mother was engaged to Rex, said he was unsatisfied with the case's resolution. He said a maximum sentence of 15 years isn't enough. 

"Without a trial, it stings more," Madrid said. 

Madrid said Rex was the family's backbone and like a father to him. 

"He was an amazing teacher and someone you could go to when you felt like you didn't know what you were doing," he said. 

Longtime family friend Anne Kannegaard expressed frustration with the plea deal, which she said seemed to come about suddenly. Two weeks ago, she said, a plea deal didn't appear to be on the table. 

To Kannegaard, the possible penalty for voluntary manslaughter seemed like a small price to pay for taking Rex's life. 

"We're without Brad," she said tearfully. "We'll never see him again." 

Rex's loved ones said he was trying to stop Johnson from driving recklessly. 

"He was a protector," Kannegaard said. "He's a lot of people's hero for that episode. He probably saved lives." 

Madrid said Rex didn't hesitate to face danger if it meant sparing others. 

"You could do the event over 100 times and I think he would've stayed right where he was," Madrid said. "There's no way he would have changed it." 

Johnson's sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 19.