Craig Allen Nichols Jr., aged 32, has been taken into custody and faces charges of manslaughter and murder following the discovery of Heather Bodden, 41, by three of her friends in her apartment on Thursday, January 2.
The friends quickly informed the police about the situation.
As detailed in court documents acquired by People, Yankton police responded to a distress call from three women around 3:30pm on Thursday. They had ‘entered the apartment and saw what seemed to be a deceased headless person’.
One friend explained to authorities that Heather had sent a text on New Year’s Day indicating her boyfriend, Nichols Jr., had threatened her with a weapon, as per the court documents.
According to the documents, the friend had not heard from Heather for 24 hours, prompting her to check on her well-being.
Further investigation revealed CCTV footage showing Nichols Jr. and two other men arriving at Bodden’s apartment around 10pm on January 1.
As outlined in court documents, they left after an hour of ‘narcotics use’, and Nichols Jr. was seen entering and exiting multiple times throughout the night.
Upon investigating the apartment, following the call from Bodden’s friends, police discovered her head in a trash bag, along with clothing belonging to Nichols Jr. and three weapons.
The police noted that the trash bag matched those seen with Nichols Jr. near Bodden’s apartment.
Nichols Jr. has been charged with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, and two counts of contempt of court.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support ‘Heather’s family in their time of need’.
“Heather Bodden was tragically and brutally taken from us by someone who claimed to care about her,” the fundraiser states.
“The family is understandably shocked by this loss and unfortunately not prepared for all that goes along with planning a funeral at this time.
“Heather did not have life insurance, so we are raising funds to help cover the cost of cremation and a memorial service. Any leftover funds will be used to help care for Heather’s daughter, Lily.”
The GoFundMe description continues: “Heather was a bright spark in this world. Her friends and family loved her quick wit as she was always ready with a joke or snappy comeback. She loved her daughter Lily to the ends of the earth and her mom, Pat, was her best friend in the world. Pat, and Heather’s stepdad, Sherman, will be caring for Lily. Any amount you can donate will help ease the financial burden placed on Heather’s family.”
The Yankton police have stated that the investigation remains underway.