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SW Mich. man gets prison for freezing death of drunken girlfriend

Posted at 8:51 AM, Dec 08, 2015
and last updated 2015-12-08 08:51:40-05

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. (AP) — A southwestern Michigan man who pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter after authorities say he left his drunken girlfriend outside and she froze to death has been sentenced to 19 months to 15 years in prison.

The Herald-Palladium of St. Joseph reports 49-year-old Charles Campbell Jr. told the court Monday he’s “sorry it happened” but he “tried to help her.”

Berrien County Judge Angela Pasula disagreed, saying 32-year-old Tamika Hurd’s 2014 death was “avoidable, unnecessary and tragic.”

Hurd was dropped off drunk at a Benton Township home.

Authorities say Hurd showered and was wet when she went outside in temperatures between 24 and 27 degrees without a coat, hat, boots or gloves. Prosecutors say video recorded by Campbell shows Hurd was too intoxicated to help herself.

Campbell later went shopping.