The trial of a man accused of kidnapping and murdering American Indian Movement activist Anna Mae Pictou Aquash in December 1975 opened today in Rapid City, South Dakota.

John Graham was initially arrested in Canada back in 2003. He was due to be tried in federal court until the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that he couldn't be prosecuted because he is not an "Indian" as defined by federal law.

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, who handled the Aquash case when he was serving as U.S. Attorney for South Dakota, decided to bring charges against Graham in state court. The crimes are alleged to have taken place in Rapid City, off the reservation.

Graham's co-defendant, Thelma Rios, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, pleaded guilty for her role in the murder.

Get the Story:
Opening statements given in AIM murder trial (AP 12/1)
Trial to start in '75 slaying on SD reservation (AP 12/1)

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