'Wedgie' killer sentenced to probation, apology

SILVER SUMMIT, Summit County — A man convicted of manslaughter over a "wedgie" has been sentenced to probation.

Erik Kurtis Low, 40, was sentenced Monday here in 3rd District Court on a charge of reckless manslaughter, a second-degree felony. Court records show a one-to-16-year prison sentence was suspended, and the judge imposed a 36-month probation term. Low also was ordered to pay restitution, write an apology letter and complete 100 hours of community service.

Low was charged in 2003 with murder after he shot and killed 38-year-old Michael Hirschey. Low claimed it was self-defense after being teased and given a wedgie by Hirschey. He was convicted of manslaughter, but it was overturned by the Utah Supreme Court, which said the jury should have been given the option of convicting him of a lesser charge because of extreme emotional distress.

In December, Low pleaded guilty to the reduced charge.

— Ben Winslow