STURGIS, SD (Mitchell Now) — A major development has emerged in a Belle Fourche missing person case that has remained unsolved for more than two decades. Steven Lee Ulrich, 69, has been arrested in connection with the 2003 disappearance of his estranged wife, Beverly Ozuna-Ulrich, and is being held in the Meade County Jail.
Ozuna-Ulrich, a mother of eight and a member of the Lakota tribe, was last seen on Oct. 17, 2003. At the time, she was living in Belle Fourche and had separated from her husband about 14 months earlier, but continued visiting the home to cook and clean for her children. She was reported missing by family members 10 days after she was last seen.
Belle Fourche Police Chief Ryan Cherveny told KBHB News (https://www.kbhbradio.com) that investigators have been pursuing leads and conducting interviews steadily over the last six years. That work led to Ulrich’s arrest on Nov. 25.
Meade County State’s Attorney Michelle Bordewyk confirmed that Ulrich is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the disappearance and presumed death of Beverly Ozuna-Ulrich. He also faces an alternative charge of second-degree murder. When asked whether Beverly’s remains had been located, Cherveny declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
Ulrich is being held on $500,000 cash-only bond.