SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — KELO.com News’ number two most impactful local story of 2021 is the sentencing of Theresa Bentaas, for the death of her newborn baby 40 years ago. Earlier this month, Judge Brad Zell sentenced Bentaas to 10 years in prison, with nine years suspended and credit for 73 days served.
“Baby Andrew” was found in a Sioux Falls ditch February 28th, 1981. His case had been cold for 38 years before DNA technology led authorities to Bentaas. In October, she changed her plea from innocent of murder to guilty of manslaughter. Judge Zell said it was inconclusive if the baby was still alive when he was abandoned.
Bentaas will report to prison January 15, 2022.
