After a multi-day manhunt, the prime suspect in a Pennington County murder is behind bars. But initial court proceedings have been complicated by the defendant’s lack of cooperation.
After three attempts at initial court appearances, 30-year-old Nicholas Selig is slated to await trial until the end of the month.
Court documents show a continuance was requested by the court for the first two hearings.
Reports attribute the first false start to Selig physically resisting authorities attempting to bring him to the courtroom Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Selig persistently interrupted the judge during normal courtroom order, particularly while reading charges.
A third attempt at Selig’s initial appearance was scheduled for Thursday, but court documents show that appearance was ultimately cancelled. Selig’s fourth attempt at an initial appearance is slated for September 29.
Selig is charged with first-degree murder in connection to his father’s death. In South Dakota, a first-degree murder conviction could mean the death penalty.
This all comes just over a week after Selig’s 57-year-old father, Vernon was found with a single gunshot wound to the head in a wooded area in rural Pennington County.
Law enforcement quickly identified Nicholas Selig as the prime suspect, which then started a two-day manhunt.
Authorities ultimately found and arrested Selig outside of an auto repair shop in west Rapid City. Selig is currently held at the Pennington County Jail.
Authorities say another fatal shooting in Rapid City from around the same timeframe is unrelated to the Selig case.