By Associated Press - Wednesday, May 25, 2016

MADISON, S.D. (AP) - A Madison man accused of killing his fiancee has pleaded not guilty to murder.

Forty-six-year-old Joseph Schmitz is accused of fatally shooting 46-year-old Corina Booth the night of April 27 at a home at Lake Madison.

The Daily Leader and KJAM radio report that he appeared in court on Tuesday and entered his plea. Judge Patrick Pardy also refused a defense request to reduce Schmitz’s $1 million bond.

An arrest affidavit shows Schmitz told dispatchers he acted in self-defense when Booth tried to stab him with a knife. The document also states Booth was found with three gunshot wounds in her chest and two in her back.

A trial date was not immediately set.

___

This story has been corrected to show that the suspect’s first name is Joseph, not Michael.

Copyright © 2026 The Washington Times, LLC.

Please read our comment policy before commenting.