Gunnison inmate pleads guilty to manslaughter

Gunnison inmate pleads guilty to manslaughter

A Gunnison Prison inmate pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of manslaughter in the death of another prisoner in 6th District Court in Manti on Wednesday.  Ringo Rudy Duran, 63, admitted he engaged in an altercation with William Fowers, 60, on August 4, 2021.  During the fight, Duran stabbed Fowers in the eye with a pencil, and subsequently, Fowers suffered a heart attack, causing his death.   In his statement, Duran apologized for the incident and said it was not his intention to hurt Fowers; however, he did state Fowers started the altercation, and Duran said it was not all his fault.  Judge Marvin Bagley sentenced Duran to 1 to 15 years on the manslaughter charge, as well as 0-5 years on each of two 3rd degree felonies for possession of a dangerous weapon and obstruction of justice.  The sentences will run consecutive to each other, but concurrent with his current sentence at the prison.