YANKTON, S.D. (TCN) — A 32-year-old man is facing multiple charges for allegedly killing and decapitating his girlfriend not long after the victim reportedly told her friends that the suspect had been threatening her.
The South Dakota Attorney General’s Office announced Craig Nichols Jr. was arrested on charges of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, and two counts of contempt of court in connection with the death of 41-year-old Heather Ann Bodden, who was found deceased in an apartment on Thursday, Jan. 2.
According to court documents cited by KTIV-TV, three of Bodden’s friends went to check on her Jan. 2 because they became worried after not hearing from her. A few days prior, Bodden reportedly texted her friends that Nichols threatened to kill her.
Yankton Police reportedly obtained video footage of Nichols at Bodden’s apartment on the night of Wednesday, Jan. 1. Two men reportedly walked in at around 10 p.m., then left an hour later. The men allegedly told police they went to Bodden’s home to do drugs with Nichols and Bodden and that Bodden was alive when they left.
Additional video footage allegedly showed Nichols walking in and out of the apartment several times within a four-hour span early in the morning on Jan. 2. He reportedly left at around 6:40 a.m. with two trash bags. Police attempted to apprehend Nichols at his apartment, but he reportedly barricaded the door. The Yankton Special Response Team eventually made their way inside and arrested him.
Investigators went back to Bodden’s apartment and discovered her head inside a garbage bag. They also located another bag containing bloody clothing, including one piece that said “Craig N,” as well as another bag with weapons and a floor mat.
KTIV reports Nichols has not been cooperating with investigators.
Nichols is being held in the Yankton County Jail with bond set at $500,000 cash.
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