A collage of photos of Acey Morrison at a younger age. Morrison was killed on Aug. 21, 2022 by a man who claimed self defense. (Photos courtesy of Cheryse Hawkins, illustration by Josh Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)
A Rapid City man is charged with first-degree manslaughter in the death of a transgender woman.
Gregory Landers faces the charge in connection to the August, 2022 death of Acey Morrison, according to the Pennington County State's Attorney's office.
The two met at Landers’ home after meeting each other on a dating app. Investigators said Landers admitted to shooting Morrison but claimed self-defense.
Under South Dakota law, first-degree manslaughter is a felony punishable by up to life in prison. A Pennington County Grand Jury also charged Landers with ingestion of a controlled drug and possession of a firearm by someone with a prior drug conviction.
Pennington County State's Attorney Lara Roetzel previously said she hoped to announce a decision on charges last fall. The indictment was finally issued last Wednesday, and the charges were announced this week.
Morrison's family has expressed frustration over the lack of charges in the case.
Authorities said the U.S. Marshals Service took Landers into custody in Indiana.