Executive Summary
- Kevin Hunter, 33, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in federal court.
- The charges stemmed from a fatal drunk-driving crash in Oglala Lakota County in May.
- Prosecutors noted Hunter was speeding and crossed into oncoming traffic, striking a van.
- Hunter was sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
Kevin Hunter, 33, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison on Monday afternoon after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter connected to a fatal drunk-driving collision. The sentencing took place in federal court, marking the legal conclusion to a case involving the death of a woman in Oglala Lakota County.
According to the factual basis statement presented during the proceedings, Hunter was operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol in May of last year. Investigators detailed that Hunter was speeding when he crossed the center line into the oncoming lane and struck a van. The impact of the crash resulted in fatal injuries to a female victim.
During the sentencing hearing, Hunter’s defense attorney stated that his client has “taken full responsibility for the incident.” Conversely, the government’s attorney emphasized the severity of the reckless driving, remarking to the court that it was “a miracle he hasn’t killed himself or anyone else.” Prior to the judge handing down the sentence, Hunter addressed the court directly to offer an apology to the victim’s family.
Federal Sentencing Implications
The imposition of a 46-month prison term, followed by three years of supervised release, reflects the federal judicial system’s guidelines for involuntary manslaughter involving vehicular homicide. As this incident occurred within a jurisdiction requiring federal adjudication, likely due to its location in Oglala Lakota County, the sentence underscores the significant legal consequences associated with impaired driving resulting in loss of life. While this specific case has been resolved through a guilty plea and sentencing, it is important to note that under the American legal system, all individuals are generally presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
