RAPID CITY, S.D. – A New York man entered a not guilty by reason of insanity plea during an appearance in Seventh Circuit Court Thursday.
Phillip Chips is charged in the stabbing death of Michael White in September. White’s body was found near Rapid Creek off Omaha St.
Chips is charged with first-degree murder and could face the death penalty or a mandatory life sentence if convicted.
The judge set a deadline of Nov. 30 for the state to determine if they will seek the death penalty.
Chips’ lawyer said his client is currently being evaluated for mental ability to stand trial. He is being held in the Pennington County Jail and will appear in court again on Nov. 16.
