Man could face death penalty in killing of Sioux Falls woman

CANTON, S.D. (AP) – A prosecutor says a 19-year-old man could face the death penalty if convicted in the killing of a 20-year-old woman who authorities say was abducted from a Sioux Falls Walmart parking lot.

Amir Hasan Beaudion Jr. was arraigned Tuesday on 15 counts, including first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, rape and robbery, in the Jan. 5 abduction of Pasqalina Badi of Sioux Falls.

Badi’s body was found the next day along a gravel road in Lincoln County.

A judge entered a not guilty plea on Beaudion’s behalf.

Lincoln County State’s Attorney Tom Wollman says he has not decided yet whether to pursue the death penalty.