The trial for a man accused of killing a Gregory County mother of seven has been moved out of county due to potential bias of jurors.
The trial for Chance Harruff, scheduled for May, will be held in Fort Pierre after a pre-trial survey of potential jurors showed significant bias among jurors who believe Harruff is guilty of murder.
The trial stems from June 2017 when court documents say that Harruff and Kristi Olson got into an argument and Harruff allegedly struck Olson with a “mule strength punch” to her chest, knocking her to the floor. Harruff whose residence is listed as Hamill then allegedly left the scene not knowing if Olson needed medical assistance.
When officers arrived they found Olson with possible bruising on her neck. She was transported to a hospital in Gregory where she was pronounced dead.
The couple lived together but Harruff recently moved out of the Olson residence.
A questionnaire mailed to more than 200 Gregory County residents showed nearly half had already formed an opinion that Harruff is guilty of murder.
Additionally, prosecution and defense attorneys believe “a significant number” of potential jurors have personal relationships with witnesses, law enforcement and Olson’s family which would lead to their dismissal from the jury.
“The evidence presented establishes a reasonable apprehension that the accused will not be able to receive a fair and impartial trial in Gregory County,” Judge Bobbi Rank wrote in a letter to the attorneys. “It would be a waste of resources to dedicate multiple days and arduous jury selection in Gregory County only to determine that the venue must be changed.”
Harruff was charged with second degree murder, domestic abuse second degree murder, first degree murder and first degree manslaughter.
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