Hibbing man sentenced in death of girlfriend

Eric James Jarvis of Hibbing was sentenced to 103 months, or eight and a half years in prison for the death of Kari Jo Petrich in June of 2022. Jarvis stood before Judge Michelle Anderson on Thursday. The 47-year-old had pleaded guilty to First-Degree Manslaughter on August 7.

Kari Jo Petrich was the girlfriend of Jarvis at the time of her death, according to St. Louis County Attorney Kim Maki.

According to the criminal complaint, First Responders found Kari Jo Petrich unresponsive and not breathing at their Meadowview Apartments in Hibbing on June 28. 2022. Initial findings from the Medical Examiner said Petrich had died from blunt head trauma. The report said her death could have been avoided had she received timely medical attention. The report said Jarvis had waited to notify authorities, and attempted to clean up the scene. Family members of Kari Jo told police the couple had altercations in the past.

The County Attorney’s office says the family of Kari Jo delivered powerful victim impact statements during the hearing.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant County Attorney Tyler Kenefick.