MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is investigating the suspected drug overdose death of an inmate at the Jameson Prison in Sioux Falls, according to an announcement from Attorney General Marty Jackley in a release published by his office.

Larry Franklin, 37, was pronounced dead at the prison on Thursday, Nov. 27. An autopsy was completed Monday, and investigators are awaiting test results.

“DCI is actively investigating the death of another inmate at the penitentiary,” Jackley said in the release. “We will determine if criminal charges are warranted after the investigation is completed. This legislative session I intend on bringing legislation to address the drugs that are entering our correctional institutions.”
The full statement is available through the Attorney General’s Office at: https://atg.sd.gov.

This case is the eighth suspected drug overdose death among inmates that DCI has investigated since February. According to the Attorney General’s Office, Manarion Fuse and Melibu Ross are scheduled for trial in January 2026 on charges related to the distribution of controlled substances that resulted in the deaths of two inmates. Investigations into the other six deaths remain ongoing.

Jackley said additional criminal charges are expected in some of the pending cases.