A Sioux Falls man, Joseph Gene Hoek, has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated eluding in the death of Moody County Chief Deputy Ken Prorok during a police chase.
Hoek, described as being on a downward spiral marked by drug use and escalating threats of violence, was ordered held without bail.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is considering seeking the death penalty and plans to investigate any mitigating factors.
“I believe the attorney general should lead from the front and I’ve always tried to do that,” Jackley said. “Especially when it involves a law enforcement officer that gave the ultimate sacrifice.”
Hoek was “overcharged,” and “there are some mental health issues that need to be explored,” Hoek’s attorney Manuel De Castro said.
“I know it’s an emotional case for everybody involved. But we’ll go from there,” he said.
The incident involved a high-speed chase, threats, drug-related items found in Hoek’s possession, and indications of mental health struggles.
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