Joseph Hoek appears in court, negotiation date moved to October 14th

Falndreau, SD (Dakota News now) – The man who was charged with Moody County, Ken Prorok because of the death of the deputy deputy deputy, was on trial on Thursday and the next steps towards his trial were set in motion.

Joseph Hoek performed in Moody Courthouse on Thursday afternoon in Flandreau, where he currently had charges for the first degree murder and a serious allusion after a chase in 2024 that led to Prorok's death.

The charge of the first degree murder has a prison or life in prison, but Attorney General Marty Jackley said that the state still intends to seek the death penalty for Hoek.

Due to the severity of the case, the defense requested a negotiation date of October 14th and changed the original start of May 19.

However, it was an application that Jackley drafted, but understood why the defense took more time to ensure a proper procedure.

“This case continues with a not guilty plea. The state was prepared for the court proceedings on May 19 and will be ready on October 14, and to ensure that everything he can get received its proper procedure and the victim's family has a voice, ”said Jackley.

Jackley also added that Hoek has until the negotiation to change his plea, but does not expect this.

The next court date regarding the procedure is set for May 8th.

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