Murder trial of Jeremiah Peacemaker now underway

WATERTOWN, S.D.(KWAT)–The Watertown murder trial of Jeremiah Peacemaker began Monday.

He’s charged with First Degree Murder in the death of 28 year-old Kendra Owen, whose decapitated and decomposed body was found in her apartment at 307 1/2 North Broadway on September 2, 2020.

Police were called to conduct a welfare check at her home after friends and family had not heard from Owen for some time.

Prosecutors believe she was dead for more than a week before her body was found.

Attorney General Marty Jackley is prosecuting the case.

On Monday, several South Dakota DCI agents, including Nate Winter and now former agent Cam Corey, testified of what they found in Owen’s small apartment the night her body was discovered. They spoke of a strong foul odor of a decomposing body, and insect activity.

The jury also saw a graphic 10 minute video shot at the scene by DCI agent Jeff Kollars that showed the headless victim.

Much of the testimony centered on a tube of toothpaste found in Owen’s bathroom that contained a fingerprint on it.