Overview

• Joseph Gene Hoek, 40, charged with first-degree murder and aggravated eluding after fatally striking Moody County Chief Deputy Ken Prorok, 51, during a high-speed chase.
• Prosecutors are considering seeking the death penalty, with South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley personally leading the prosecution.
• Hoek, described as being on a 'downward spiral' marked by drug use and violence, was held without bail at his first court appearance.
• Witnesses and evidence suggest Hoek intentionally swerved to hit Deputy Prorok while attempting to evade police using stop spikes.
• Hoek's defense suggests mental health issues and overcharging, with further investigations into his mental state and drug use ongoing.