PIERRE, SD – A Fort Thompson man is charged with involuntary manslaughter for a traffic-related death at Fort Thompson. The U.S. Attorney’s office said 19-year-old Austin Abernathy pleaded not guilty and was released on bond pending trial. The indictment accuses him of operating a motor vehicle negligently, resulting in the death of 22-year-old Cole St. John in December. Published reports at the time said St. John died after a hit-and-run accident.
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