Grand Jury Indicted Sioux Falls Man for Manslaughter
Jeromy Willard now faces a first-degree manslaughter charge following the death of Levi Phillips.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Crime — General
A Minnehaha County grand jury has indicted 53-year-old Jeromy Willard on a charge of first-degree manslaughter. The indictment follows the discovery of 47-year-old Levi Phillips, who was found dead in a pickup truck in Sioux Falls.
Why it matters
The indictment represents a significant escalation in the legal proceedings against Willard, who had already been arrested on a domestic aggravated assault charge. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal altercation.
A Minnehaha County grand jury issued the indictment for the Class C felony on Sept. 30, 2026. If convicted of first-degree manslaughter, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The players
Jeromy Willard
He is the 53-year-old defendant currently facing a first-degree manslaughter charge.
Levi Phillips
He was a 47-year-old man whose body was discovered by police in Sioux Falls.
Minnehaha County
This is the regional jurisdiction where the grand jury was convened to review evidence.
The details
Police discovered Phillips dead inside an abandoned pickup truck near 10th Street and Fairfax Avenue after a caller reported the vehicle. Detectives linked the death to a suspicious altercation, leading to the arrest of Willard, who was also wanted on two separate drug warrants.
Timeline
Sept. 18, 2026: The body of Levi Phillips was discovered in a truck.
Sept. 19, 2026: Authorities arrested Jeromy Willard.
Sept. 30, 2026: A Minnehaha County grand jury indicted Willard.
Legal Context
The charges align with South Dakota's Class C felony sentencing guidelines, which dictate potential life imprisonment for manslaughter convictions. This case reflects the standard prosecutorial escalation seen in regional violent crime investigations.
The investigation centered on a public city intersection, but officials have not issued specific ongoing safety warnings to the neighborhood. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious abandoned vehicles to local police.
The takeaway
This case highlights the procedural progression from initial arrest on assault charges to formal manslaughter indictments by a grand jury. Authorities emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious abandoned property to ensure swift police response.
Further reading
For more updates on local legal developments, visit our Crime — General section.
