Close✕
Search
Mitchell  16° F
  • News
    • Weather
    • Closings
    • AG
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Government
    • Opinion
  • Trending
  • Obituaries
  • Lifestyle
    • Deals
  • Sports
  • Events
  • Newsletter

South Dakota woman gets parole in 1981 dead infant sentence

By Mitchell Now March 18, 2022 6:15 am
  • Facebook
  • X
  • More
  • Email
  • LinkedIn
  • SMS
clipart.com

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A 60-year-old South Dakota woman has been granted parole after serving two months in prison for the 1981 death of her infant son. It was a loss Theresa Bentaas kept secret for decades. She entered an Alford plea to a first-degree manslaughter charge in October. The plea means she maintained her innocence but admitted evidence could lead to her being found guilty. A judge sentenced her to 10 years in prison, nine years suspended. And on Thursday, the South Dakota Board of Pardons and Paroles granted her early release. The board hasn’t said when she will walk free.

  • Facebook
  • X
  • More
  • Email
  • LinkedIn
  • SMS
Billy Lurken

Billy Lurken is the News Director for the Mitchell Radio Group. Have a news tip? Send an email to news@kmit.com

Story © 2022 Associated Press - Images © 2022 clipart.com

More in Crime

  • Four Watertown Men Arrested in Narcotics Investigation Involving Distribution to Minors
    stolen vehicle chase police pursuit Mitchell SD Brookings County stolen truck Travis Bullington arrest Hanson County police chase assault on law enforcement stolen pickup truck South Dakota crime news high-speed chase Mitchell Police Department arrest suspect rams police cars rural South Dakota crime
  • Grand Jury Indicts Inmate, Former Prison Nurse in South Dakota Penitentiary Overdose Death
  • Attorney General Jackley Announces Settlement with Menards Over Rebate Advertising
    Central Electric Cooperative Operation Round-Up grants South Dakota community grants local giving South Dakota Central Electric Operation Round-Up rural electric cooperative programs community improvement grants school district grant awards fire department grants South Dakota nonprofit funding South Dakota $250,000 community giving milestone Central Electric service area Mitchell SD news local grants November 2025 Operation Round-Up Board of Trustees grant application deadline May 2026

Editor's Picks

  • Santa Tracker
  • Davison County Commissioners Set Dec. 30 Meeting Agenda
  • U.S. Senator Wraps Up Busy Year-End Week as NDAA Signed Into Law
    South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley Dan Satterlee DCI Director South Dakota U.S. Marshal nomination President Trump nomination South Dakota law enforcement news John Thune and Mike Rounds support Senate Judiciary Committee review U.S. Marshal appointment South Dakota DCI leadership state government and politics news

Trending

  • Survey Finds Many South Dakotans Struggle With Healthcare Costs and Access
    South Dakota WIC program federal government shutdown South Dakota Department of Health Melissa Magstadt women infants and children WIC services South Dakota nutrition education breastfeeding support healthy food assistance family health programs
  • Study Finds Soil Practices Can Significantly Impact Hemp THC Levels
  • Lake Norden Man Killed in Farming Accident in Hamlin County
    John Thune farm bill South Dakota farm legislation overdue farm bill 2025 Dakotafest Mitchell ag policy John Thune agriculture priorities U.S. farm bill Congress farm bill budget framework John Thune South Dakota farmers farm bill Senate votes agricultural policy South Dakota John Thune Washington priorities

Top Stories

Entertainment
4 days ago
Santa Tracker

The NORAD Santa Tracker is back, bringing high-flying holiday excitement as it follows Santa Claus’ journey around the world in real time. For more than 65 years, NORAD has combined cutting-edge radar, satellites, and fighter jets with festive fun, letting families track Santa’s sleigh as he delivers gifts across the globe on Christmas Eve.

Government
4 days ago
Davison County Commissioners Set Dec. 30 Meeting Agenda

The Davison County Commission will meet Tuesday, Dec. 30, to address veterans services, a liquor license hearing, budget matters, and multiple agreements and personnel items.

Local
4 days ago
U.S. Senator Wraps Up Busy Year-End Week as NDAA Signed Into Law

A South Dakota U.S. senator capped off a historic week in Washington with confirmation votes, briefings, and a White House visit as President Trump signed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act into law.

College
4 days ago
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY/WEEKEND SPORTS: Christmas Day in the NBA & NFL, Marlins Hockey action and an early look at games after Christmas weekend

Early look at sports to begin the next week, along with Christmas Day games in the NBA & NFL and Marlins hockey!

Government
5 days ago
Housing Market Cools in 2025 as Experts Outline What to Expect in 2026

Housing prices continued to rise in 2025, but at a slower pace, as affordability remained a major challenge nationwide. A real estate expert says technology and global investment trends could shape the housing market in 2026.

Mitchell Now
facebook
Mitchell Media Group 501 S Ohlman St P.O. Box 520, Mitchell, SD 57301 Tel: 605-996-9667

About

  • Careers
  • Advertise With Us
  • Mitchell Now Ethics Policy
  • Our Use of AI

Stay Connected

  • Newsletter Signup
  • Download Our App
  • Submit News
  • Contact

Quick Links

  • Deals
  • Meet The Team
  • Obituaries
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • AI Use Policy
  • Advisory Public Notice - Non-Discriminatory Ad Contracts
Some images copyright AP, Clipart.com © Copyright 2025 Saga Communications, Inc, All rights reserved. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.