Yankton murder victim identified

Attorney General Marty Jackley says a 41-year-old woman from Yankton has been identified as the victim in the murder that occurred Thursday in Yankton.

Heather Ann Bodden’s body was found in a Yankton apartment at approximately 3:15 p.m. Thursday afternoon.

32 year old Craig Allen Nichols, Jr. of Yankton has been arrested and charged with Second-Degree Murder, First-Degree Manslaughter, and two counts of contempt of court. He’s 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.