FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 6, 2020

PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg today announced that Stephen R. Falkenberg, 45, Yankton, has been sentenced to life in prison without the chance of parole at a hearing on Monday, March 2, 2020.

Falkenberg was found guilty by a Yankton County jury in January of 2nd Degree Murder, a class B felony as well as 1st degree Manslaughter, a class C felony, both arising from the March 1, 2019 death of 46-year old Tamara LaFramboise of Yankton.  LaFramboise’s body was discovered in Menominee County, Michigan, on March 16, 2019.

“This was a horrific crime,” said Ravnsborg.  “I am glad we could get justice for the family and keep South Dakota safe by taking this violent killer off the streets.”

The South Dakota Attorney General’s Office handled the prosecution and the investigation was conducted by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Yankton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Yankton Police Department, the FBI, and Michigan authorities. 

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The Office of the Attorney General is the chief legal office for the State of South Dakota and provides legal advice to agencies, boards, and commissions of the State as well as representing the State in state and federal court.  The Office of Attorney General also handles prosecutions, felony criminal appeals, civil matters, consumer protection issues, and issues formal opinions interpreting statutes for agencies of the state.  Visit www.atg.sd.gov to learn more.

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CONTACT: Tim Bormann, Chief of Staff, (605) 773-3215