Driver in fatal Redfield crash charged with vehicular homicide, drunken driving

REDFIELD, S.D.(AberdeenAmericanNews)- An Iroquois man is charged with two felonies after striking and killing a pedestrian in Redfield Friday evening, according to Spink County State’s Attorney Victor Fischbach.

The crash resulted in the death of Donna Karr of Redfield, Fischbach said. She was 91.

Ronald Frankfurth, 58, is charged with vehicular homicide and third-offense drunken driving.

Frankfurth’s initial appearance was Tuesday in Redfield, and bond was set at $50,000. He cannot drink alcohol, go to bars or break any laws, and he must do twice-daily tests to make sure he hasn’t been drinking.

His next hearing date is set for June 1 in Redfield. The incident remains under investigation by the Spink County Sheriff’s Office and South Dakota Highway Patrol, Fischbach said.

Under state law, a person can be charged with vehicular homicide when, while under influence of alcohol or drugs, they drive a vehicle negligently and, without intent, cause the death of another person. The crime is punishable by as much as 15 years in state prison and a $30,000 fine.