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Man Convicted In Death Of Researchers In South Dakota

LAKE ANDES, S.D. (AP) — A Lake Andes man accused of driving drunk and killing two federal wildlife researchers has been convicted of vehicular homicide but not the more serious charge of manslaughter.

Thirty-year-old Ronald Fischer Jr. could face more than 30 years in prison, but he could have faced life in prison had he been convicted of manslaughter.

Attorney General Marty Jackley announced Judge Bruce Anderson’s decision on Thursday. Fischer is to be sentenced on March 23.

Fischer was accused of driving under the influence of alcohol and marijuana on July 8, 2013, in the Pickstown area when he failed to stop at a stop sign. Authorities say his vehicle went into a parking lot, where it struck and killed 25-year-old Maegan Spindler, of Cazenovia, New York, and 46-year-old Robert Klumb, of Pierre.