A 41-year-old woman was found decapitated in her Yankton, South Dakota apartment on January 2, 2025, just one day after messaging friends about threats from her boyfriend, who now faces murder charges.
Heather Ann Bodden was discovered by friends who went to check on her at approximately 3:15 p.m. after not hearing from her for 24 hours. The women found her decapitated body in her Yankton apartment. One of the friends had received a message from Bodden stating that her boyfriend had threatened her with a weapon.
Craig Allen Nichols Jr., 32, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, and two counts of contempt of court. The contempt charges stem from previous violations of court orders, though details of those violations have not been released. Security camera footage showed Nichols and two other men arriving at Bodden’s apartment on January 1. The men later told investigators they were there to use narcotics with Nichols, and Bodden was alive when they left.
Surveillance video captured Nichols entering and exiting the apartment multiple times between 1:30 a.m. and 6:45 a.m. on January 2, carrying trash bags. During the execution of a search warrant, investigators discovered Bodden’s head in a trash bag, along with wet shoes bearing a reddish-brown substance, three weapons wrapped in a floor mat, and bloody clothing with “Craig N” written on the label. Laboratory analysis of the weapons and clothing is pending at the state crime lab.
Authorities located Nichols approximately one mile away at his apartment on Douglas Avenue. When officers arrived, Nichols barricaded himself inside for approximately two hours before surrendering to police. He declined to provide blood and urine samples and refused to cooperate with investigators.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that this is Yankton’s first murder of 2025. “The Attorney General’s Office and Yankton County State’s Attorney will prosecute the case,” Jackley stated in a press release. Nichols is being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond at the Yankton County Jail. His first court appearance was on Friday morning, with his next hearing scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on January 8.
Bodden’s family initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses and support her daughter’s care. By January 6, the campaign had raised more than $7,000 toward its $15,000 goal.
Family members described Bodden as brightening lives with her quick wit and humor, always ready with a joke or clever response. She shared an especially close bond with her mother, Pat, who was described as her best friend. Pat and Bodden’s stepfather Sherman will now care for Bodden’s daughter Lily, whom Bodden deeply cherished.
In addition to her daughter and parents, Bodden leaves behind seven siblings, along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who were part of her extended family network.
The case is under investigation by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Yankton Police Department, and the Yankton County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators are reviewing additional surveillance footage from neighboring businesses and residences. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Yankton Police Department at (605) 668-5210 or Crime Stoppers at (605) 665-4440 for those who wish to remain anonymous.
