A Minnesota man will found out this afternoon how much time he will spend in prison, for his part in taking the life of a De Smet teenager last September. Twenty-eight year old James Harris made a deal with prosecutors in Kingsbury County in February, to plead guilty to second degree manslaughter and drunk driving. Harris admitted in court to being drunk and speeding through De Smet on September 23rd a Friday. That night, 16-year old Zachary Eichstadt was walking with his younger brother and
two friends, when Harris’ pick-up struck the eldest Eichstadt with an impact so hard, the boy’s shoe became lodged in the frame of the truck. Eichstadt’s brother received minor injuries in the incident. Harris as been held in the Beadle County Jail. Three attempts to reduce Harris’ bond have been denied in court. All three parties in the case have agreed to expanded electronic media coverage which means Harris’ sentencing will be recorded with audio, video and still photography. The sentencing is set for 3 PM at the Kingsbury County Courthouse in De Smet. KELOLAND TV will be streaming the sentencing live on their website. www.keloland.com.