SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — A second teen has been charged with first-degree murder in the May 9 death of Nichole (Nikki) Klich, 41, in Huron, the Brookings County State’s Attorney Dan Nelson said.
The case was transferred to Brookings County from Beadle County because the newly appointed state’s attorney in Beadle County has a potential conflict of interest with the case, Nelson said.
A female, 15, was charged Wednesday and was scheduled to appear in court Thursday morning, Nelson said.
A male, 15, had already been charged with first-degree murder as of May 14.
The two teens knew each other and “were involved in the death of the victim,” Nelson said.
Klich was shot on the morning of May 9, officials said.
Nelson said he could not comment on any relationship between Klich and the two teens.
Because the two teens are 15, the case starts in juvenile court, according to South Dakota Law. A teen 16 or older can be charged earlier as an adult.
The teen girl appeared in juvenile court Thursday morning and was put on a $100,000 cash bond with standard conditions. Both of the teens charged with the murder are in a Juvenile Detention Center in Huron.
Nelson said his office intends to seek a legal transfer to adult court.
A friend of Klich’s told KELOLAND News on May 14 that her late friend went by “Nikki.” The friend describes the late Huron woman as a funny and honest person who was a “dedicated” parent.
On the day of the shooting, law enforcement had asked multiple residents of Colonial Apartments, in the area of 10th Street and Minnesota Avenue S.W., to voluntarily evacuate for several hours.
