SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem says the investigation into the death of a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle driven by the state’s attorney general is taking too long.
Noem said the Hyde County State’s Attorney’s Office should have decided by now whether Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg should be indicted for the death of 55-year-old Joe Boever in September. Authorities say Ravnsborg was distracted when he drifted onto the shoulder and struck Boever, but have not provided further details.
“I share South Dakotans’ frustration about the amount of time that has taken,” Noem said in a statement to the Argus Leader. “To have more than 100 days go by without resolution on this is a disservice to the victim’s family.”
The case is in the hands of assistant State’s Attorney Emily Sovell. She has not responded to multiple messages and emails left with her office since the investigation started.
Ravnsborg called 911 that night and told a dispatcher that he hit “something” on Highway 14 outside of Highmore and that “it was in the middle of the road.” When the dispatcher asked if it could have been a deer, Ravnsborg initially said, “I have no idea” before adding, “It could be.”
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