SD Supreme Court: Benda Death Investigation Remains Closed

The investigation into the death of Richard Benda will remain closed to the public. That’s the ruling of the South Dakota Supreme Court, released publicly on Thursday. South Dakota journalist Bob Mercer took the issue to the high court in March after trying unsuccessfully to find out the details of the investigation that resulted in a ruling that Benda’s death was a suicide. But the court found that state law is clear in denying public access to law enforcement investigations.