FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :   Wednesday, September 09, 2015
CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605)773-3215   

Russell Ray Bertram Indicted by Gregory County Grand Jury

PIERRE, S.D – Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that Russell Ray Bertram, 63, Sioux Falls, was indicted yesterday by a Gregory County Grand Jury.  Bertram was indicted on one count of first degree murder.  The penalty for first degree murder is either death or a mandatory life sentence.  Bertram formerly worked as a police officer in Colome and Parker and as Chief of Police in Harrisburg.

The indictment charges that on or about October 24, 2009, Bertram murdered his fiancé, Leonila Stickney, then age 26.

Bertram is presumed innocent until such time as proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by the Division of Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

 
-30-