Yankton man indicted for alleged fentanyl overdose death of 15-year-old girl

EDIOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to reflect the correct age of the suspect and the victim.

PIERRE, S.D. (KCAU) — An 18-year-old Yankton man has been indicted for the fentanyl overdose death of 15-year-old girl.

Evan Nelson, 18, was indicted by a grand jury in Yankton County on Monday, according to a release from the South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley’s office. He was indicted for distribution of a controlled substance to a minor resulting in death, distribution of a controlled substance to a minor, and unauthorized possession of a controlled substance.

Nelson was arrested Tuesday. He is being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond, the release said.

The indictment comes after a 15-year-old female was found dead in her bedroom in rural Clay County on Dec. 23, 2023.

The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Vermillion Police Department, and the Yankton Police Department investigated the case.

“This arrest comes after months of extensive investigations by state and local law enforcement and prosecutors,” said Jackley. “This tragic case and the loss of a 15-year-old victim demonstrates the seriousness and dangers of fentanyl.”

If convicted on all three counts, Nelson could face life in prison and $110,000 in fines.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.