The man arrested in a beheading that occurred in Yankton earlier this month has pled not guilty to all charges.
Craig Nichols, 32, who is facing charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, and two counts of Disobedience of Judicial Process in the murder of his girlfriend, Heather Bodden, pled not guilty during his court appearance Thursday.
Along with Nichols were his attorneys, Edward Angel and Cody Raterman.
Court records show that Bodden’s head, along with bloody clothes, weapons, and underwear labeled with the name “Craig N” were found in a trash bag at the victim’s apartment, with surveillance video showing Nichols exiting and entering the apartment multiple times with trash bags.
Judge Cheryle Gering, who oversaw the hearing, set April 21st as the date for the state to decide if they want to file a motion to pursue the death penalty.
Nichols is next set to appear in court on May 9th in Yankton County for a motion hearing.
