(Sioux Falls)– The Sioux Falls, South Dakota man accused of killing a Perry, Iowa dentist and seriously injuring his wife in a hit-and-run boat crash on West Lake Okoboji was in court Wednesday in Sioux Falls.
29-year-old Justin Nearman was charged Tuesday with operating a motor boat while intoxicated resulting in the death of Michael Brosnahan and operating a boat while intoxicated resulting in the serious injury of Jill Brosnahan. Nearman also appeared on a fugitive from justice charge. Nearman’s attorney argued the latter charge should be dropped, telling the judge Nearman did not flee after charges were filed, and that he was preparing to turn himself in. The judge rebuked that, saying after charges were filed Tuesday in Dickinson county, Nearman was found in South Dakota, making him a fugitive.
Nearman’s attorney then announced that Nearman will not waive extradition and will instead post a 42-thousand dollar bond and turn himself in to Iowa authorities. If he doesn’t post bond, Nearman will be back in Minnehaha County District court for an extradition hearing September 19th.
Court documents indicate Nearman has served time and paid fines for drunk driving charges stemming from 1997 and 2001. He was also arrested three times for possessing alcohol as a minor.
