UPDATE: A 46-year-old man has been charged with first- and second-degree murder following the discovery of a woman’s body in a Howard, South Dakota home. Elias Stubbe is accused of killing 56-year-old Nichole Malfero, as authorities confirmed today.
Emergency responders were alerted to the residence at 2:50 a.m. on Saturday, where Malfero was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday to determine the cause of death.
Attorney General Marty Jackley stated, “The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is working with local authorities to process the evidence found at the scene and conduct interviews.” He assured the public that there is currently no danger related to this incident.
Stubbe is being held on a $1 million cash bond at the Davison County Jail in Mitchell. Under the U.S. Constitution, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. In addition to the murder charges, court documents reveal that Stubbe is also facing first- and second-degree burglary charges in an unrelated case from this summer in Miner County.
This shocking incident has left the small community of Howard reeling, and authorities continue to investigate. They urge anyone with information to come forward as they work to piece together the events leading to Malfero’s tragic death.
As investigations unfold, residents are advised to stay alert for further updates regarding this serious situation. More details will be released as they become available, and the community is encouraged to remain calm while the investigation is active.
