N.D. Man Pleads The Death of Pierz Man

(AP)  A North Dakota man has pleaded not guilty in the death of a former Pierz man. 

27-year-old Nicholas Caspers is accused in the February 20th death of 30-year-old Paul Varner at Varner's home.  The medical examiner says Caspers punched Varner in the face, breaking bones that caused him to suffocate.

Caspers' attorney says it was a case of self-defense. 

Varner was originally from Pierz, south of Brainerd, and was working at Wisheck Livestock sales, which is owned by his father Joe.