Testimony began into the December 1975 kidnapping and murder of American Indian Movement activist Anna Mae Pictou Aquash.

Aquash was shot to death on the Pine Ridge Reservation. But this trial covers kidnapping, premeditated murder and sexual assault charges for activities that occurred in Rapid City, off the reservation.

John Graham, a Native man from Canada, is accused of keeping Aquash in a home in Rapid City. Authorities also allege he was the one who pulled the trigger on Aquash.

The trial is expected to last two to three weeks, The Rapid City Journal reported. Graham's co-defendant, Thelma Rios, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, pleaded guilty for her role in the murder and is expected to testify.

Get the Story:
Opening statements given in Graham trial (The Rapid City Journal 12/2)
Trial testimony begins in 1975 reservation murder (AP 12/2)

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