By Associated Press - Saturday, October 14, 2017

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - Authorities say a South Dakota state prison inmate has died.

Corrections Department officials say 54-year-old Wade Aikins was found unresponsive in his cell Saturday morning at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls.

A preliminary investigation shows the death is due to accidental asphyxiation. An autopsy will be conducted.



Aikins was sentenced to life in prison in 1985 after being convicted of second-degree murder in Lawrence County. He was also sentenced in 1994 to consecutive 5-year sentences from Bon Homme County for attempted escape and possession of a weapon by an inmate.

Copyright © 2026 The Washington Times, LLC.

Story Topics

Please read our comment policy before commenting.