SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Two state prison inmates charged with attempted murder were back in court Monday. They are accused of attacking a correctional officer at the penitentiary in Sioux Falls in August of 2023.
Kyle Jones and Lester Monroe walked into court dressed in plain clothes surrounded by heavy security. Lawyers for both sides are selecting 12 jurors with 3 alternates. They will hear the case against the two men who are accused of beating a correctional officer at the Jameson Annex last year.
According to court documents, “Both Monroe and Jones punched the officer in the head continuously.” The attack lasted about a minute. Jones struck the officer a minimum of 50 times while Monroe held the officer on the ground. Court documents say Monroe hit the officer at least 20 times. The attack was eventually broken up by other officers using a taser, spray and physical force. The assault was captured on video. The officer did recover.
Monroe and Jones are both charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated assault against law enforcement. They both pleaded not guilty. The trial is expected to start on Tuesday with opening arguments from a lawyer with the Attorney General’s Office and court-appointed attorneys for Jones and Monroe.
