In a shocking turn of events, a 31-year-old cold case was finally brought to closure in South Dakota. Jay Adams Jr., a resident of Sisseton, South Dakota, was charged with the murder of a minor victim in Roberts County. The victim suffered fatal blunt force trauma to the head in 1992.
The case was reopened after an investigation led by Troy Morley, MMIP Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota. Morley’s efforts resulted in Adams’ conviction, bringing closure to the victim’s family and the community.
Adams was convicted of inflicting fatal blunt force trauma to the head of the minor victim in the heat of passion. The crime was committed in Roberts County on December 31, 1992.
The District of South Dakota U.S. Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with the Department of Justice’s MMIP Regional Outreach Program, has been working tirelessly to address the crisis of missing or murdered Indigenous persons. This includes providing specialized support to U.S. Attorneys’ offices and promoting communication, coordination, and collaboration among federal, Tribal, local, and state law enforcement, and non-governmental partners on MMIP issues.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland highlighted the ongoing efforts to tackle the MMIP and human trafficking crises in American Indian and Alaska Native communities, as well as other pressing public safety challenges. Garland emphasized the need for the Justice Department to double down on its efforts and be true partners with Tribal communities as they seek to end this crisis.
In recognition of National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota joined its partners across the federal government and people throughout American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The office hosted and attended various events throughout the month of May to raise awareness of MMIP issues.
On April 17-18, 2024, U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Peterman, MMIP Regional AUSA Troy Morley, and National Native American Outreach Services Liaison Marlys Big Eagle participated in an MMIP Conference hosted by the Oglala and Rosebud Sioux Tribes. On May 5, 2024, Morley participated in an MMIP Awareness Walk in Porcupine, SD.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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