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South Dakota court rejects second appeal in Aquash murder

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

The South Dakota Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected an appeal filed by the man who was convicted for the 1975 murder of American Indian Movement activist Anna Mae Pictou Aquash.

John Graham, a Native man from Canada, was convicted of murder in December 2010. The state Supreme Court in May 2012 upheld the conviction but he filed a secondary appeal that was also rejected.

Aquash was found dead on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Graham was initially charged in federal court but the indictment was dismissed because he is not a member of a federally recognized tribe.

Some elements on the crime took place off the reservation for which Graham was prosecuted in state court. He is serving a life sentence.

"I am grateful for the cooperative efforts of tribal, state, and federal law enforcement officers in bringing John Graham to justice,” South Dakota Attorney General Jackley said in a press release. “Today’s ruling is an important step toward final justice for Annie Mae and her family.”

Jackley was serving as U.S. Attorney for South Dakota when he tried to prosecute Graham in federal court.

Get the Story:
SD court dismisses 2nd appeal in 1975 AIM slaying (AP 9/11)