Man convicted for 1975 Aquash murder argues for reversal

Tuesday, March 20, 2012  

The South Dakota Supreme Court heard arguments on Monday in the case of John Graham, who was convicted for the 1975 murder of American Indian Movement activist Anna Mae Pictou Aquash.

Graham, who is Native from Canada, was extradited to South Dakota from Canada to face trial for Aquash's murder on the Pine Ridge Reservation. He was charged in federal court but the case was dismissed because he is not an "Indian" under federal law.

The state of South Dakota subsequently filed charges because some elements of the crime occurred in Rapid City, off the reservation. He was eventually convicted but he appealed on numerous grounds, according to the South Dakota Supreme Court.

Audio of the hearing can be found at www.sdjudicial.com/sc/currenttermofcourt.aspx.

Get the Story:
AIM Killer Appeals Murder Conviction (KELO-TV 3/19)
Canadian man appeals conviction in '75 slaying of fellow American Indian Movement activist (AP 3/19)