Elko Man Accused of Running Over Fiancee

ELKO, Nev. (AP) — An Elko man has pleaded not guilty to charges of driving under the influence and involuntary manslaughter stemming from a backcountry accident in Elko County that killed his fiancee.

The Elko Daily Free Press reports  39-year-old Jason Frazier entered the pleas Monday at an arraignment. Frazier is accused of driving over 46-year-old Kelli Cantrell while drunk in September near the historic Winecup Ranch 25 miles north of Wells. Frazier told investigators that he and Cantrell were scouting for elk.

Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy Shelley testified that Frazier told him that Cantrell jumped out of his moving vehicle, but prosecutors say blood on the bumper suggests she was hit by the front of the vehicle. Washoe County forensic expert Richard Bell estimated Frazier's blood alcohol level was 0.14 at the time.