Week two of Peacemaker murder trial begins today

March 4, 2024

Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.–The second and what’s expected to be the final week of the Jeremiah Peacemaker murder trial in Watertown begins this morning.

Peacemaker is charged with First Degree Murder in the August 2020 death of 28 year-old Kendra Owen.

Prosecutors have used Owen’s cell phone data to zero in on what they believe was her time of death, and there’s also been much focus on a right thumbprint matching Peacemaker’s that was found on a tube of toothpaste in Owen’s bathroom.

Before the trial began, I asked Attorney General Marty Jackley, who’s prosecuting the case, how much work has gone into this case that’s now three-and-a-half years old…

Last week, after the state rested its case, defense attorney Scott Bratland made a motion for acquittal, citing a lack of evidence against his client, but that motion was denied by Judge Carmen Means.

Jackley is prosecuting the case, which he expects will go to the jury tomorrow or Wednesday.