March trial date set for Thelma Rios in Aquash case
The Associated Press | Posted: Wednesday, November 4, 2009
RAPID CITY — A March trial date is set in state court for one of the people charged in connection with the 1975 death of an American Indian Movement activist in western South Dakota.
Authorities say 64-year-old Thelma Rios is accused of the kidnapping and premeditated murder of Anna Mae Pictou Aquash.
Convictions on both charges carry a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.
Rios remains in Pennington County Jail in lieu of a $250,000 cash surety bond.
Rios and John Graham of Canada face state charges in the case.
Prosecutors have said Aquash was killed because she was a suspected government informant against AIM.
