FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Monday,  January 8, 2018 
CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605) 773-3215   

PIERRE, S.D. -  Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today the preliminary autopsy results have been released for Michelle Nanette Walsh, 58, Palm Springs, California.

“Preliminary autopsy results indicate blunt trauma injury to her head and hemorrhage anterior neck musculature,” said Jackley.  “This confirms this is a homicide and will continue to be treated as such.” 

On Jan. 1, 2018, at approximately 11:55 a.m. (MST), a South Dakota Highway Patrol Trooper observed Lommen traveling eastbound on I-90 in Lawrence County at speeds in excess of 100 mph. The trooper attempted to initiate a traffic enforcement stop, but the subject failed to stop. The pursuit continued east on I-90 from Spearfish to Rapid City, reaching speeds of about 118 mph.  Law enforcement did successfully spike the vehicle which eventually came to a stop on I-90.

Agencies that assisted were the South Dakota Highway Patrol, Meade County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office and the Division of Criminal Investigation.

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