(Spirit Lake)– A judge has granted motions to allow separate trials for two men charged with murder in the death of a South Dakota man.
Scott Adair of Crossett, Arkansas and Michael Friedrichs of Forest City have pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree murder in the death of 25-year-old Matthew Begtrup of Sioux Falls.
Another man, John Swan of Crossett, Arkansas, pleaded guilty to willful injury earlier this week under a plea agreement with prosecutors. He had also been charged with first-degree murder. His sentencing was set for October 20th.
Authorities say the charges stem from a fight that occurred early April 4th outside a Milford gentlemen’s club.
A Dickinson County District Court Judge says in court documents that Adair and Friedrichs would suffer “unfair prejudice” from a joint trial.
