(Sioux Falls, SD) — Prosecutors say the man accused of killing a South Dakota deputy has a violent history, and they want the jury to hear all of it. Joseph Hoek is charged with running down Moody County Chief Deputy Ken Prorok during a chase back in February of last year. Now, court documents reveal Hoek had a long history of threats and violence, including slashing tires, violating protection orders, and making repeated death threats, even toward his own family. Prosecutors argue this shows Hoek’s actions were intentional, not accidental, and they’ve filed motions to include that past behavior in his upcoming trial. The death penalty is still on the table. Hoek is due back in court Monday, with his trial set for October.
Prosecutors Push to Show Past Threats In Trial Over Deputy’s Killing
