SIOUX FALLS SD (KELO) -- Authorities in Yankton are investigating the first murder of 2025. According to court documents, Craig Nichols Jr. is accused of killing a woman and cutting off her head late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. Snow has been lacking for a wide variety of reasons The 32-year-old Nichols can be seen coming and going from her apartment and hauling out trash bags. Authorities later found him about a mile away at his own apartment. Nichols is charged with second degree murder and first degree manslaughter. He made his first court appearance this morning. KELOLAND News will take a closer look at the case, including a deep dive into Nichols’ lengthy criminal history on KELOLAND News at 6 and online.   7:50 a.m. A man is facing multiple charges, including murder after police responded to a death on the east side of Yankton. A news release says the Yankton Police Department, in collaboration with the Yankton County Sheriff's Office and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), continue a joint investigation into a death on the 1000 block of Memory Lane. Yankton police say they arrested Craig Allen Nichols Jr.. He's charged with multiple offenses, including second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, and two counts of contempt of court. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. Police are asking for the public’s cooperation by avoiding the area to allow officers to investigate effectively.