Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Ep.1: '48 Miles to Pierre'

SDPB

When South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem called an unexpected media briefing on Sept. 13, 2020, reporters were puzzled over what it might be about. None guessed that what she was about to share would shake the state for years to come.

Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg – one of the most powerful men in state government – was involved in a fatal crash. Few other details are released.

Over the following weeks and months, more information trickles out as the investigation continues. But often, new details only lead to new questions.

The victim turns out to be Joe Boever, a man who lived not far from where the crash happened. His family grows frustrated over what they feel is a lack of answers.

Jason Ravnsborg in a 2019 interview with SDPB.
SDPB
Jason Ravnsborg in a 2019 interview with SDPB.

The scope of the investigation grows, and the repercussions play out over years.

This is SDPB’s "Short Walk: The impeachment of South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg." It’s a look at the arc of one political career – the events of a dark night – and the ripple effects.

Investigators reconstruct crash scene near Highmore, South Dakota after Jason Ravnsborg struck and killed pedestrian Joe Boever.
Dakota News Now
Investigators reconstruct crash scene near Highmore, South Dakota after Jason Ravnsborg struck and killed pedestrian Joe Boever.

Lee Strubinger is SDPB’s Rapid City-based politics and public policy reporter. Lee is a two-time national Edward R. Murrow Award winning reporter. He holds a master’s in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois-Springfield.