Murder charges filed in woman’s death in Lincoln County

April 14, 2022

CANTON, S.D. (AP) — A man who has been in custody since a 20-year-old mother was found dead last month in Lincoln County has now been charged with murder and manslaughter.

Sheriff’s officials say Randi Gerlach was found dead at a residence south of Sioux Falls on March 1 and that the death appeared to be suspicious.

Her domestic partner, 22-year-old Jackson Phillips, was arrested a short time later and booked for violating a no contact order.

Phillips on Wednesday was charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter and two counts of aggravated assault in Gerlach’s death.