Man Charged with Murder After Mother’s Death in South Dakota
A 34-year-old man named Bowen Fladland has been charged with first-degree and second-degree murder in relation to the death of his 70-year-old mother, Marlene Fladland. Her body was discovered in the front yard of their home in Clark, South Dakota.
Fladland was arrested on July 8 and is currently being held on a $500,000 cash bond. According to authorities, Fladland allegedly confessed to attacking his mother, pressing his knee on her neck until she lost consciousness, and then using a tool to decapitate her.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley stated, “We are in the process of gathering evidence. There will be an autopsy, as this is a beheading case.”
When officers arrived at their residence, a family member mentioned they had talked to Marlene earlier that day and she claimed that Bowan had assaulted her. Following his arrest in nearby Watertown, Fladland voluntarily spoke to the police about the incident.
This is not the first time Fladland has faced allegations of violence against his mother. In a separate incident earlier this year, he was accused of choking her during an altercation but received a suspended sentence following a no contest plea for aggravated domestic assault.
Community members are shocked by the news. Neighbor Sandy Herrick expressed her sadness, recalling Marlene as a kind person who would always greet her warmly.
As the investigation continues, Fladland has not yet entered a plea for the murder charges.
