FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 4, 2020

PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg said today that on the morning of Tuesday, June 2, 2020, the Hamlin County Sheriff’s Office, Castlewood Ambulance and Watertown Fire Rescue responded to a call of an unresponsive 2-year-old female at a residence in Castlewood, South Dakota  The child was transported to Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown where she was pronounced dead.

Initial investigation revealed evidence of ongoing child abuse and the manner of death is pending upon the results of an autopsy.

Josephine Raymundo, 30, of Castlewood has been arrested on a charge of felony child abuse (SDCL 26-10-1), additional charges are pending.  Raymundo is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The case is being prosecuted by the Hamlin County State’s Attorney and the investigation is ongoing at this time.

The Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation with assistance from the Hamlin County Sheriff’s Office, the Watertown Police Department, South Dakota Child Protection Services, and the Minnehaha County Coroner’s Office.

-30- 

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.

Connect with us on Facebook or on Twitter at @SDAttorneyGen

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