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Man who set off cannon at July 4th party that ended with deadly explosion near Holland enters guilty plea

The sheriff's office said that the explosion from a "salute cannon" sent shrapnel and metal pieces into the air, hitting people, cars and homes on July 3, 2023.

HOLLAND, Michigan — The man who set off a homemade cannon that exploded into a busy Fourth of July crowd, killing one woman last year, took a plea deal this week. 

Anthony Jon Meyer, of Holland, set off a "Salute Cannon," that had gunpowder in it on the night of July 3, 2023.

These types of devices are intended to create a loud boom when ignited. 

He entered a guilty plea to involuntary manslaughter and will learn his sentence on Feb. 5.

RELATED: 'The whole cannon just blew right up': Homeowner recounts deadly 4th of July party

A crowd was watching a private fireworks display in the 1700 block of Main Street in Park Township, near Holland, when the homemade cannon exploded, sending pieces of shrapnel into the crowd. 

At least five vehicles and three homes were damaged in the explosion. Police say that some shrapnel and metal pieces went through walls and windows of the nearby homes.

Jana Daniels, 41, was killed as a result. 

Daniels was recently hired as a teacher and got a new apartment in the Holland area. She's from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and passed away just 17 days shy of her 42nd birthday, according to her obituary. She leaves behind a 9-year-old son. 

Credit: Zaagman Memorial Chapel
Jana Daniels, 41, was killed by a firework explosion in Park Township on July 3.

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