Update 1:28 p.m.: Yankton Man Arrested In Connection With Murder; Victim Identified

Craig Allen Nichols Jr., 32, of Yankton, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter and two counts of contempt of court. He is being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond.

South Dakota’s Division of Criminal Investigation, in conjunction with the Yankton Police Department and the Yankton County Sheriff’s Office, is investigating the case.

The Attorney General’s Office and the Yankton County State’s Attorney will prosecute the case.

People with pertinent information related to this matter can contact the Yankton Police Department at 605-668-5210 or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 605-665-4440.

The defendant’s next hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Jan. 8.  

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UPDATE 11:45 a.m.: A Yankton man was arrested late Thursday night on multiple charges involving the death of an unknown individual in the 1000 block of Memory Lane.

According to a press release from the Yankton Police Department (YPD), Craig Allen Nichols Jr., 32, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter and two counts of contempt of court. According to the sheriff’s office, he was arrested at 11:40 p.m. Thursday

No other details were released, other than the arrest came after an investigation conducted by the YPD, the Yankton County Sheriff’s Office and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.

“Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident,” the YPD said in the press release.

Late Friday morning, the Press & Dakotan contacted Yankton Police Chief Jason Foote, who referred all questions to the attorney general’s office in Pierre.

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ORIGINAL STORY: Local law enforcement are investigating an unspecified situation in Yankton late Thursday night.

Shortly before midnight Thursday night, Jan. 2, the Yankton Police Department (YPD) issued a press release stating that it was working with the Yankton County Sheriff's Office and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) “in a joint operation at the 1000 block of Memory Lane.”

The press release continued, “This situation is currently under investigation, and we are working diligently to gather facts and ensure the safety of all individuals in the area.

“Residents in the vicinity may notice an increased presence of law enforcement personnel and vehicles. We ask for the public’s cooperation by avoiding the area to allow officers to perform their duties effectively and safely.”

Earlier in the evening, ambulance scanner traffic indicated the presence of a possible dead body in this vicinity, but no other information was transmitted.

“At this time, no further details can be disclosed due to the sensitive nature of the investigation,” the YPD said in the press release. “Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

“We thank the community for their patience and support as we work to address this situation. If anyone has pertinent information related to this matter, please contact the Yankton Police Department at 605-668-5210 or to remain anonymous Crime Stoppers at 605-665-4440.”

This story will be updated when more information becomes available.