Grim History: Every Execution in South Dakota Since 1877

South Dakota has a long history with the death penalty. The state has used the harshest punishment for the harshest crimes since before it was a state.

The First Execution in South Dakota Territory

By the time South Dakota achieved statehood in 1889, the territorial government had executed four people.

The first of those executions was the notorious Jack McCall. History knows Jack as the guy who shot Wild Bill Hickok in Deadwood on August 2, 1876. He was hanged for the murder on March 1, 1877, in Yankton, the territorial capital at the time.

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What Crimes Qualify for the Death Penalty in South Dakota?

To get the death penalty in South Dakota, one must be convicted of first-degree murder with an aggravating factor. First degree means the accused caused the death on purpose. Aggravating factors that can allow the state to seek the death penalty include an "offense was outrageously or wantonly vile, horrible, or inhuman," the murder of police officers or other court officials, murder for hire, among others.

South Dakota’s Methods of Execution Over Time

Prior to 1947, South Dakota executed prisoners by hanging. In 1947, the state used the electric chair for the first and only time. South Dakota changed its method of execution to the chair in 1939.

How Many People Has South Dakota Executed?

Between 1889 and 1915, South Dakota hanged 10 men. In 1915, South Dakota abolished the death penalty. In 1939, the state reversed course and reinstated it, this time with the electric chair as the method. In 1984, the method was changed to leather injection.

The execution of George Sitts in 1947 was the last time the death penalty was carried out until 2007. It has been used five times since then (as of April 2025).

Who is on South Dakota's Death Row Now?

As of April 30, 2025, South Dakota has one person on death row awaiting execution. Briley Wayne Piper who was convicted for the torture and killing of Chester Poage in 2000.

Who Has South Dakota Executed?

Since 1877, 20 men have been executed by the state of South Dakota. All were convicted of murder. Of the total, five died by lethal injection, 14 by hanging, and one in the electric chair.