Newly released court documents reveal graphic details in the Dec. 6 killing of 56-year-old Nichole Malfero in Howard.
Deputies discovered Malfero inside a residence attached to the Willoughby Funeral Home with a severe head injury and multiple stab wounds.
Nearby, investigators found a knife, crowbar, handsaw, and a broken hammer—each appearing to be stained with blood and other material.
Elias Stubbe, 46, has been charged with first- and second-degree murder.
A witness told authorities he saw Stubbe standing over Malfero with a knife and heard what sounded like three slicing motions.
The same witness said Stubbe admitted earlier in the night that he had smoked meth.
When deputies arrived, Stubbe reportedly told them, “She’s in there, she’s dead.”
Stubbe is being held on $1 million cash bond and is scheduled for arraignment on Dec. 23.
The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation continues to assist in the case, and officials say there is no ongoing threat to the public.