Murder on the Missouri River: Alicia Hummel’s unsolved murder inches closer to justice
More than six years ago, 29-year-old preschool teacher Alicia Hummel was murdered in broad daylight at a popular boating and fishing dock located 11 miles outside of quiet Vermillion, S.D.
The news was shocking, leaving many with questions as to why — and who — would have so violently ended the life of a young woman who, in many ways, was at the start of a promising new phase of her life.
Her body was discovered in the shallow waters of the Missouri River near the Myron Grove River Access boat landing shortly after her murder on June 1, 2015 by a South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks employee. The autopsy report revealed Alicia Hummel sustained blunt force trauma to the head and suffered a large laceration to her neck, yet drowning was listed as the cause of death.
The search to piece together evidence and find her killer has led investigators and those close to Alicia Hummel down a tumultuous road of dead-ends and unanswered questions. Yet the case is far from cold, according to Clay County Sheriff Andy Howe. New evidence has provided hope for Howe — and Alicia Hummel’s loved ones — that justice is not out of reach.
“I’m optimistic as I sit here today that we’re going to clear this case,” Howe said. “I won’t say that I’ve been optimistic every day since June, but as I sit here today, I am.”
While Alicia Hummel’s phone was previously considered missing evidence, Howe said her phone is in the hands of investigators.
Details of the case remain largely guarded as it is considered an ongoing investigation.
