RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A Rapid City man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend and her unborn child will not face the prospect of the death penalty if he is convicted.

Pennington County State's Attorney Mark Vargo says it would be difficult for prosecutors to prove that the case meets the criteria for a death sentence under state law.

Authorities allege that 32-year-old Michael Young stabbed to death a pregnant Morgan Myers in April 2012 in a Wal-Mart parking lot. He has pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder and fetal homicide.

If he is convicted he would face a mandatory life prison sentence. A trial has not been scheduled.

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