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Published January 14, 2011, 08:28 AM

Jury rules death of farmer likely a crime

A jury in Fond du Lac County has ruled the death of a farmer, run over by a tractor driven by his son, is likely a crime.

By: The Associated Press, Superior Telegram

FOND DU LAC, Wis. (AP) — A jury in Fond du Lac County has ruled the death of a farmer, run over by a tractor driven by his son, is likely a crime.

Jurors returned the verdict Thursday following testimony on the August death of 59-year-old Lee Batterman. The jury found probable cause that Batterman's 26-year-old son, Michael, committed the crime of reckless homicide or homicide by negligent use of a motor vehicle. The verdict is advisory to the district attorney, who will decide whether charges are warranted.

The Reporter says Michael Batterman testified his father was playing a "game of chicken" when he stood in front of the tractor his son was driving at the family's farm. The younger Batterman says he expected his father to get out of the way, but he didn't.

Information from: The Reporter, http://www.fdlreporter.com.

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