RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) - A second trial has been set for a Rapid City woman after a jury couldn’t reach a verdict on a murder charge against her.
Lorraine Swallow will be tried again beginning Sept. 9 on a second-degree murder charge in the fatal stabbing of her 28-year-old nephew, Tyrell Bull Bear, last December.
After four days of testimony from witnesses and hours of deliberation, a jury couldn’t decide if the 33-year-old woman acted in self-defense.
Defense attorney Angela Colbath urged Judge Matt Brown to acquit Swallow after the jury couldn’t reach a verdict, saying there was no evidence she acted with a “depraved mind.” Brown declined. Prosecutor Stacy Wickre said Swallow could have walked away or asked for help after fighting with Bull Bear.
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