Danville man acquitted of assault in death

Ronald William Manley, 32, of Danville, was acquitted of malicious wounding Wednesday in Pittsylvania County Circuit Court.

On New Year’s Day, Manley was charged with hitting his cousin, Ronald Duncan, 47, over the head with a kitchen chair. The incident took place at Manley’s father’s home and both men were reportedly drunk and arguing over $40 when it occurred, prosecutors said.

Duncan died the next day during surgery for a ruptured spleen, but the medical examiner could not determine that Manley’s actions contributed to Duncan’s death, according to Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Les Adams.

Manley’s lawyer, Glenn Berger of Altavista, argued that Manley acted in self-defense after Duncan punched him in the head. Manley said he was afraid because Duncan threatened to kill him.

Witnesses supported the self-defense argument.

Judge Charles Strauss said reasonable doubt was an issue in the case. He found Manley not guilty and dismissed the charges.