Pierre, SD (KELO AM) - Former Harrisburg police Chief Russell Bertram is now accused of taking out a $750,000 life insurance policy on his former fiancé just before allegedly killing her back in 2009.
The Associated Press reports that prosecutors have asked permission to present evidence of the policy on Leonila Stickney as well as other instances of insurance fraud in Bertram’s past.
Bertram has pled not guilty to charges of first degree murder. Stickney’s death was originally classified as a hunting accident, however new evidence emerged last fall that brought on the new charges. It’s unclear what caused officials to reopen the case.
Bertram also served on the police force in Parker and Colome. His trial is set to begin in February.