FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :    Friday, April 05, 2013
CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605)773-3215   

Preliminary Hearing held in Brule County for Gann Valley Woman

PIERRE, S.D. – Donika Gonzales, 22, Gann Valley was bound over on 5 counts at the conclusion of the preliminary hearing which was held today in Brule County before Magistrate Judge Swanson.  The complaint contained 5 counts for activities arising from an incident on February 21, 2013, on alleged abuse resulting in the death of a 4 year-old child. The counts include: one count of second degree murder, class B felony, life imprisonment in the state penitentiary, two counts of first degree manslaughter, class C felony, up to life imprisonment in the state penitentiary and/or $50,000 fine, one count of aggravated assault, class 3 felony, maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment and/or a $30,000 fine, one count of child abuse, class 3 felony, maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment and/or a $30,000 fine.

Arraignment for Gonzales is scheduled on April 9, 2013, at 3:00 p.m., in Brule County.

Gonzales is presumed innocent until such time as proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office and the Division of Criminal Investigation.

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