Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Bertram Murder Conviction Upheld: Polygraph Evidence Out, Sex Evidence In

SD Department of Corrections

The South Dakota Supreme Court has upheld the murder conviction of Russell Ray Bertram. The former Harrisburg Chief of Police killed his fiancee in October 2009. Earlier that year he took out $920,000 worth of insurance on her life. The state Supreme Court affirms the trial court's refusal to admit polygraph evidence. And justices support the lower court's decision to allow evidence of Bertram's sexual improprieties.

To read the opinion, click on this link:

http://ujs.sd.gov/uploads/sc/opinions/28063y5is8ik.pdf

Coverage of oral arguments, focusing on polygraph information, is posted below.

Rapid City freelancer Victoria L. Wicks has been producing news for SDPB since August 2007. She Retired from this position in March 2023.
Related Content