On 10-17-2017 at approx. 7:00 p.m. The Mitchell Department of Public Safety received a 911 call stating that an ambulance was needed at a residence located on the 900-block E. 3rd Avenue for a female who did not appear to be breathing. Responding Officers found a 36-year-old female subject deceased at the residence.
As a result of this investigation, 39-year-old Mitchell resident James Edward Brinker, date of birth 09-11-1978, was arrested for the following offenses: First Degree Manslaughter in violation of S.D.C.L. 22-16-15, Violation of a Protection Order Constituting an Assault in violation of S.D.C.L. 25-10-13 and Simple Assault Domestic in violation of S.D.C.L. 22-18-1.
In this incident, James Brinker allegedly wrapped the female in a blanket and allegedly asphyxiated the female by placing a sock in her mouth, tying a cloth belt across her face, placing the woman on a mattress and leaving her in that state for a significant period of time, which apparently lead to her death. James then, brought the victim’s children to the crime scene and convinced one of the children to call 911. James left the residence and he was later located at a different residence in Mitchell. There was a valid protection order in place that prohibited James from having contact with the victim at the time of the incident.
First Degree Manslaughter is a Class C Felony punishable by life imprisonment in the state penitentiary and a fine of $ 50,000. Violation of a Protection Order Constituting an Assault is a Class 6 Felony punishable by 2 years imprisonment in the state penitentiary and a fine of $ 4,000. Simple Assault Domestic is a Class 1 Misdemeanor punishable by 1-year imprisonment in a county jail and or a $2,000 fine.
This is an ongoing investigation. The Mitchell Police Division is asking for any information from 10-17-2017 regarding James Brinker or other information about this incident.
MPD
