STURGIS, S.D. – A Sturgis area teenager has admitted that he fatally shot a Wyoming girl during an argument last fall.
Michael Gavin Campbell, 17, pleaded guilty Thursday to first-degree manslaughter for killing Shayna Ritthaler, a 16-year-old from Upton, Wyoming. His name was released following his arrest last October because he was initially charged as an adult. Campbell originally pleaded not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity
Campbell said at his change-of-plea hearing that the two got into an argument and he shot her in the head. In court, Campbell referred to the victim as his girlfriend.
Both the prosecutor and the defense agreed to ask the judge to sentence the teen to 55 years in prison.
Prosecutors say the two had been chatting online but met in person for the first time when he killed her in October.
Sentencing is set for July.
