MAY 2024:
The South Dakota Supreme Court has unanimously upheld the 75 year prison sentence given to a woman from Pierre who plead guilty to first-degree manslaughter related to a death in a Pierre motel in 2022 (Feb. 8, 2022).
Miranda Ann Henry, aka Crystal Pumpkinseed, was sentenced in Hughes County Circuit Court in February 2023 (Feb. 27, 2023) for the stabbing death of Christopher Mexican, also from Pierre.
In the appeal to the state supreme court, Henry’s attorney argued that the judge in Henry’s case “failed to properly weigh certain circumstances including her unstable history, nonviolent criminal history, fact that she did not hide from law enforcement, history with alcohol abuse, her intoxication at the time of the offense, and her mental state at the time of the offense.”
In their opinion, the Justices disagreed saying, “The court considered an extensive presentence investigation report prior to announcing its sentence.” The opinion also says the court “determined that based on the heinousness of the offense, her prior opportunities for treatment, and her demonstrated tendency to keep committing crimes, she deserved a seventy-five year sentence.”
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FEBRUARY 27, 2023:
A 39-year-old woman from Pierre has been sentenced to 75 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the 2022 stabbing death of Christopher Mexican.
Miranda Ann Henry of Pierre, aka Crystal Pumpkinseed, was sentenced yesterday (Feb. 27, 2023) in Hughes County Circuit Court.
Mexican was stabbed by Henry during an incident Feb. 8, 2022 in a Pierre motel.
Hughes County State’s Attorney Jessica LaMie says, “This was a heinous, violent crime. Mr. Mexican was stabbed numerous times by the defendant.”
Attorney General Marty Jackley says the resolution of this case is a result of outstanding teamwork between local law enforcement, the Hughes County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Attorney General’s Office.
The case was investigated by the Pierre Police Department, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the state Forensic Lab. It was prosecuted by Amanda Miller and Brent Kempema, both from the Attorney General’s Office; and Hughes County State’s Attorney Jessica LaMie.
Christopher Mexican.
Photo courtesy of Charlie Rooks Funeral Home.
FEBRUARY 14, 2022:
The Pierre Police Department has released the name of the person killed last week (Feb. 9, 2022) at the Pierre Inn & Suites.
Police Captain Bryan Walz says the victim has been identified as 49-year-old Christopher Mexican of Pierre.
Crystal Pumpkinseed, age 38, is currently being held at the Hughes County Jail on a Second Degree Murder charge related to his death. The charge is a Class B felony, so Pumpkinseed faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison.
Brad Schreiber was named Pumpkinseed’s court appointed attorney. Arraignment has been scheduled for March 22, 2022, at 9am CT.
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FEBRUARY 10, 2022 UPDATE:
A 38 year old Pierre woman charged with 2nd Degree Murder made her initial appearance in Hughes County Court this afternoon (Feb. 10, 2022).
Crystal Pumpkinseed, AKA Miranda Henry, is charged in connection to the death of a 49 year old male found after a disturbance early yesterday morning (Feb. 9, 2022) at the Pierre Inn & Suites. The victim’s name has not yet been released, but was identified in court by the initials “CM.”
Appearing via teleconference, Pumpkinseed sobbed as the judge read the charge against her. Hughes County State’s Attorney Jessica LaMie then asked the judge to deny bond for Pumpkinseed. Judge Tara Adamski granted that request.
After the hearing, LaMie explained why she asked that Pumpkinseed remain in custody.
LaMie says not being allowed out on bond is typical in this type of case.
While details of the case are still under investigation, LaMie feels the 2nd Degree Murder charge is currently appropriate.
The charge is a Class B felony, so Pumpkinseed faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison.
Brad Schreiber was named Pumpkinseed’s court appointed attorney. Arraignment has been scheduled for March 22, 2022, at 9am CT.
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UPDATE FEBRUARY 10, 2022:
A Wednesday (Feb. 9, 2022) death investigation in Pierre has led to a murder charge being filed against a 38-year-old woman from Pierre.
Police Captain Bryan Walz says officers were called about a disturbance at 3:45 yesterday morning and found a deceased 49-year-old male inside one of the residences at the Pierre Inn & Suites. Walz says officers concluded the victim’s injuries were caused by 38-year-old Crystal Pumpkinseed, AKA Miranda Henry. She’s been charged with 2nd Degree Murder.
Walz says an autopsy is being conducted to determine the manner and cause of death. The victim’s name is not yet being released pending next of kin notification.
Pumpkinseed is being held at the Hughes County Jail.
Assisting the Pierre Police Department with the investigation are the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the South Dakota Highway Patrol.
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FEBRUARY 9, 2022:
The Pierre Police Department is investigating a death that happened at the Pierre Inn & Suites, located in the 200 block of West Pleasant Drive.
Captain Bryan Walz says officers were called about a disturbance at 3:45 this morning (Feb. 9, 2022).
Walz says a person of interest has been detained in relation to the death investigation.
More information will be released once the investigation is complete.
Assisting the Pierre Police Department are the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the South Dakota Highway Patrol.
Photo credit DRG Media Group.
Photo credit DRG Media Group.
Photo credit DRG Media Group.
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