Greenberg

PROVIDENCE — The Barrington teenager charged in the boating death of his friend on the Barrington River in July 2007 is expected to enter a plea next Monday in Providence County Superior Court.

Ryan A. Greenberg, 18, has agreed to plead no contest to reckless boating, death resulting, in the death of 17-year-old Patrick Murphy, court spokesman Craig N. Berke said in a news release.

Authorities say Greenberg was at the wheel of a motorboat July 17, 2007, when it struck and killed Murphy as he kneeboarded behind the 20½-foot Sailfish in a popular waterskiing area south of the Massasoit Avenue Bridge, better known as the white church bridge.

A reconstruction report by state environmental police said the pair, classmates at Barrington High School, sparred moments earlier about Greenberg’s boating and Murphy’s kneeboarding skills. Greenberg “throttled up” and pointed the boat at Murphy, striking him, it said. The medical examiner ruled that Murphy died from blunt and sharp force injuries.

Investigators found evidence Greenberg drank alcohol that day, according to the report, and a preliminary medical examiner’s report indicated Murphy had alcohol in his system.

Greenberg was charged with second-degree murder, reckless boating with death resulting, underage possession of alcohol and refusal to submit to a chemical test. In January 2008, he pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Greenberg was 17 at the time, but a Family Court judge waived jurisdiction, clearing the way for his being tried as an adult in Superior Court. His trial had been set to start May 26.

Judge Daniel A. Procaccini announced Tuesday that an agreement had been reached between state prosecutors and Greenberg’s lawyers after several conferences over the past few months, Berke said. The court provided no further details about the proposed deal.

Under state law, a person can be found guilty of boating, death resulting, if someone dies as proximate result of an injury received by the operation of a vessel in reckless disregard for the safety of others. The offense carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

“This is what he said he will plead to,” said Michael J. Healey, spokesman for Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch. But, Healey said, it was not appropriate to comment further until Greenberg actually entered a plea.

“Unless and until the defendant enters his plea, however, this is a pending criminal case,” he said in a news release.

Asked about the court announcement, William P. Devereaux, Greenberg’s lead lawyer, said “That’s pretty accurate.” He would not comment further other than to say the Greenberg remains on home confinement at his family’s house in Providence. His sentencing is set for July 22.

kmulvane@projo.com