SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska Panhandle man charged with vehicular homicide and manslaughter in the death of a passenger wants his case to be heard by a judge, not a jury.

19-year-old Bryan Bloom, of Henry, waived his right a jury trial during a pre-trial conference on Thursday in Scotts Bluff County District Court.

Bloom was driving a van to Torrington, Wyo., on June 20, 2011, when a passenger, 18-year-old Johrdan Stone, stuck his head out the window and was hit by a road sign.

Bloom told police he didn’t know Stone had been hurt until they arrived at a home in Torrington. Stone died of neck and head injuries.

Officials say Bloom was driving drunk. Court documents show Stone also had been drinking.