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Ep. 4: ‘Albatross Around His Neck’

SDPB

As the investigation progresses over several months, questions grow about what, if any, charges Jason Ravnsborg may face for striking and killing a pedestrian near the town of Highmore, South Dakota.

When the public learns Ravnsborg faces only a few traffic misdemeanors, many are outraged. But prosecutors defend their decision, citing the parameters of state law.

There is precedent to the prosecutors’ actions. But to many, it’s not enough.

Regardless, avoiding felony charges does not end the fallout for Ravnsborg.

The car driven by Jason Ravnsborg when he struck and killed Joe Boever.
House Select Committee On Investigation Documents
The car driven by Jason Ravnsborg when he struck and killed Joe Boever.

In this episode of Short Walk, we examine the decision to charge Ravnsborg with only misdemeanors and compare it to how others – both politicians and regular people – are treated.

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.