Visalia man gets 5 years probation for drowning his girlfriend

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- A South Valley man won't be heading to prison for his girlfriend's death, instead Michael Huckaby was sentenced to five years probation.

Michael Huckaby pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter In the death of his girlfriend Jamie Atkerson in 2011. Wednesday, he was sentenced to five years probation -- but if he violates any of the terms, including contacting the victim's family in anyway, he'll likely be sent to state prison.

Huckaby was originally charged with murder in this case, but when more evidence came out they offered Huckaby a plea agreement to voluntary manslaughter.