Sheriff investigating death west of Sioux Falls as homicide

Makenzie Huber
Sioux Falls Argus Leader
Authorities investigate after a person was found with gunshot wounds in a ditch south of Hartford.

Authorities are investigating a homicide after a body was found in a ditch Monday morning west of Sioux Falls with gunshot wounds, said Minnehaha County Sheriff's Capt. Josh Phillips.

Deputies responded to the area of 266th Street and 464th Avenue after a landowner found an adult male in a ditch about a half mile from the intersection. The call came in at about 11:15 a.m. and the victim was "obviously deceased" when authorities arrived, Phillips said.

Gunshot wounds were found on the body, but there was no firearm present, Phillips said.

"That leads us to believe the death was caused by another individual or individuals," Phillips said.

Authorities believe the incident occurred around 11 p.m. Sunday when a person reported hearing gunshots in the area. An autopsy will be conducted Tuesday, Phillips said.

The victim's age and name are not being released until family have been notified.

Authorities are asking for the public's help to report any suspicious activity west of Ellis Road on Sunday night, Phillps said. Authorities can be contacted at 605-367-7000.

MSCO, Sioux Falls police and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, are investigating the incident.

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