A Columbia County jury is expected to begin deliberations today on whether or not Jacob M. Baker's decision to allegedly drink and drive contributed to the death of a Wisconsin Dells man.

Baker, 27, a traveling salesman of no permanent address, faces two felony counts of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle in connection with the Jan. 26 death of Scott A. Cook. During the first day of what's expected to be a two-day trial, the coroner, a witness traveling behind Baker's Ford van and several police officers involved in the investigation took the stand Wednesday in front of Judge Daniel George.

Portage attorney Tim Henney is representing Baker, while Assistant District Attorney David Knaapen is handling the case for the state. The two sides nearly struck a deal on the eve of the trial, but Baker, who had already signed the appropriate papers, rescinded it after further discussions with his attorney.

According to court records, Baker's van crossed the centerline while traveling on Highway 16 in the town of Lewiston and hit Cook's car head-on. Cook, 42, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police found Baker inside the van conscious but dazed.

The investigation showed Baker had been drinking prior to the accident and when police asked Baker how much he'd had to drink, he replied "a lot." Records didn't indicate Baker's exact blood alcohol concentration level, except to note that it was over .10 - the legal threshold for first-time offenders. Baker, who's been in custody since the accident, was in the area selling cleaning products for a Pennsylvania company.

The District Attorney's Office amended its original charges and dismissed charges of second-degree reckless homicide and homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle. Both of the current charges against Baker carry a maximum prison sentence of 60 years.