STURGIS, S.D. (AP) - A judge has approved a defense request to hire an investigator for the case of a man accused of killing two people in Faith.
Berton Toavs has pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder in the fatal shootings of Eliza Edgins and Nathan Gann on April 26 in the small western South Dakota town. Authorities say Edgins was Toavs’ ex-girlfriend and Gann was his friend.
A closed-door status hearing was held Monday. Judge Jerome Eckrich approved the defense attorney’s request for up to $3,000 for an investigator.
Gann and Edgins worked at a bar and grill in Faith, a town of about 430 people. Toavs has been working at ranches and a livestock auction. He’s due back in court on July 6.
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