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November 4, 2024

Sioux Falls records its 13th homicide

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — There have been a record number of homicides in Sioux Falls this year; 13 with the most recent one just last week.

KELOLAND News takes a look back at the cases and which ones remain unsolved.

Sioux Falls recorded its first homicide of 2024 in March. Edward Brinkley is accused of shooting 28-year-old Richard Sowers in a downtown apartment.

23-year-old arrested for indecent exposure near Empire Mall

In June, police arrested Justin Rackley.

He’s charged with murdering three people identified as Daniel Kemnitz, Kellie Reaves and Michael Thompson.

Authorities are only saying that it happened at a backyard party around a fire pit in southwest Sioux Falls.

The city’s fifth homicide was in August. Court documents say a 13-year-old boy shot and killed his cousin with a stolen gun.

The suspect’s mother, Savannah Randle was arrested on charges of accessory to manslaughter.

Also in August, someone shot and killed 29-year-old Joshua Allen at Dunham Park. No arrests have been made yet in that case.

In September, someone opened fire on a mobile home in northwest Sioux Falls, killing 27-year-old Tanisha Bruguier who was inside.

There are no arrests in that case either.

Later that same month, police arrested Dylan Farmer. He’s accused of shooting and killing Casey Shawn Edward Shaffer after someone reportedly told Farmer that Shaffer had touched a boy.

On Sept. 22nd, officers were called to 12th and Cleveland where they found 64-year-old Michael Colvin had been severely beaten. He later died of his injuries.

Police arrested Robin Swallow last week and charged him with murder.

In October, a father and son were shot and killed outside this southwest Sioux Falls gas station.Police say it was a case of justifiable homicide.

Just last week an aggravated assault case turned into a murder investigation.John Mitchell is accused of beating 49-year-old Carie Coyle so badly that she was hospitalized in critical condition. She later died of her injuries. Mitchell is now accused of murder.

Also last week police arrested Jimmie Ledbetter Jr. for first-degree murder.

Police say Ledbetter strangled his wife Angie, who had recently filed for divorce.