Hold onto your cowboy hats, because we’re about to delve into some of the most notorious true crime cases that have occurred in the beautiful state of South Dakota. From gruesome murders to unsolved mysteries, South Dakota has had its fair share of crime drama. So, sit back, grab some popcorn, and let’s get started with our list of 5 high-profile true crime cases in South Dakota!
- The Wounded Knee Massacre
We’re going to start our list with a historical true crime case that is still talked about today. In 1890, the Wounded Knee Massacre occurred on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. U.S. Army troops opened fire on a group of unarmed Lakota people, killing approximately 250 men, women, and children. The exact events leading up to the massacre are still a subject of debate, but what is clear is that it was a horrific and tragic event in South Dakota’s history.
- The Death of Dorothy Donovan
In 1973, the murder of Dorothy Donovan shook the town of Custer to its core. Donovan was a nurse who had recently moved to the town and was living alone in a small cabin. Her body was found by a friend, and investigators determined that she had been sexually assaulted and murdered. The case went cold for over 40 years until a DNA sample led authorities to a suspect in 2014. The suspect, Donald Moeller, was convicted of Donovan’s murder and was executed in 2012.
- The Abduction of Serenity Dennard
In 2019, 9-year-old Serenity Dennard disappeared from the Black Hills Children’s Home Society, a residential facility for children in need. Despite extensive searches and investigations, Serenity has not been found to this day. The case remains open, and authorities are still searching for any clues that might lead to her whereabouts.
- The Briley Brothers Escape
In 1984, two brothers, Linwood and James Briley, escaped from a Virginia prison and fled to South Dakota. While on the run, they committed a series of robberies and murders in the Sioux Falls area. They were eventually apprehended and brought to trial, where they were convicted of multiple counts of murder and sentenced to death.
- The Murder of Corina Kavanagh
In 2011, the body of 39-year-old Corina Kavanagh was found in a shallow grave in a remote area of the Black Hills. Kavanagh had been reported missing two weeks prior, and her boyfriend was the primary suspect in her disappearance. He was eventually arrested and charged with her murder, but the case was dismissed due to lack of evidence. To this day, Kavanagh’s murder remains unsolved.
There you have it, folks! These are just a few of the high-profile true crime cases that have occurred in South Dakota. From the tragic events at Wounded Knee to the mysterious disappearance of Serenity Dennard, these cases remind us that crime can happen anywhere, even in the most peaceful of places.
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High-Profile True Crime Cases in South Dakota
Shocking Crimes That Shook South Dakota
Notorious True Crime Cases in the Black Hills
Unsolved Mysteries and Murders in South Dakota
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