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Suspect in Dugger Bar Brawl Makes First Appearance

Last updated on Saturday, September 15, 2012

(SULLIVAN COUNTY) - A man accused of killing another man inside an Indiana tavern made his first appearance in court Friday.

It was an emotional morning for Sarah Pigg after she attended 24-year-old James Gardner's initial court hearing.

The man who Sarah Pigg says killed her husband.

Gardner faces a charge of involuntary manslaughter.

Authorities believe Gardner punched Richard Pigg inside the Up-town Tavern, in Dugger, Indiana.

Sarah Pigg says that punch led to her husband's death, "I talked to him on the phone at 10:45 p.m. and he was fine. I told him I loved him, then he told me he loved me. I hung up the phone and that was the lasted I talked to him."

Sarah says her husband wasn't a fighter and that night Gardner continued to harass her husband. She says friends that were with her husband say Richard tried to walk away from the fight and according to bar video her husband walked away three times.

Friday the judge entered a not-guilty plea on Gardner's behalf. If convicted of involuntary manslaughter, he faces a maximum of eight years in prison.

Sarah says that is not enough time in prison for the man that killed her husband. She says ultimately it doesn't matter what happens because nothing will bring back her husband.

Gardner's bond is set at $15,000. He's due back in court December 11th.

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