RAPID CITY, South Dakota — At around 12:15 p.m. on June 26th, the RCPD and PCSO were notified of the death of a child at Rapid City Regional Hospital.
The infant child was taken there for treatment. The six-month-old female’s injuries were sustained in the morning hours of June 26th in an apartment at 825 Willsie Avenue.
The suspect is identified as 26-year-old Kristopher Houchin of Rapid City. He was arrested for 1st Degree Rape and Child Abuse the evening of June 26th.
Preliminary results of an autopsy conducted the morning of June 29th indicate the child died from a brain bleed sustained as a result of blunt force trauma. Houchin has now additionally been charged with 2nd Degree Murder in the case.
Houchin was arrested and first charged after hospital officials notified authorities that the infant’s injuries were suspicious.
It’s is unclear if Houchin has an attorney.
The victim’s identification is still being withheld as authorities work to notify the child’s family members. Once that is complete, the name will be released.
The joint RCPD and PCSO investigation into the death is ongoing.
