A jury trial is scheduled for March 10 for Richard Allen Hammond, a 66-year-old Cherokee man charged with first-degree murder in connection with the April 2024 death of 47-year-old Christopher David Wheeler of Sutherland. Hammond was arrested on April 21 after allegedly running over Wheeler with a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado east of Cherokee.
According to court documents, two witnesses identified Hammond as the driver and stated he intentionally struck Wheeler, who had been working on a pickup in the driveway of a residence at 2097 Highway 3. Wheeler reportedly attempted to flee on foot before being struck. After the collision, Hammond allegedly fled the scene.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after a 911 call at 12:30 a.m. and attempted life-saving measures, but Wheeler was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Hammond was arrested later that morning around 8:20 a.m. and released the next day on a $100,000 surety bond. A no-contact order was issued in favor of one of the witnesses, who expressed fear of further threats.
Hammond pleaded not guilty on May 12 and waived his right to a speedy trial. The charge of first-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence if convicted.
Assistant Attorney General Travis Conder was appointed to prosecute the case. Conder filed a motion on April 28 seeking to have Hammond recommitted, citing his criminal history, risk to public safety, and flight risk, and requested that bond be increased to $1 million cash-only. Past convictions include assault, domestic abuse, protective order violations, and drug-related offenses.
Hammond’s defense team, initially led by W.E. “Gene” Collins with Michael Jacobsma assisting, opposed the recommitment. They argued the past charges were mostly misdemeanors from over two decades ago, Hammond had community ties, and a no-contact order was in place for protection.
Judge Andrew Smith denied the recommitment on May 8, stating the motion lacked sufficient grounds. However, on July 1, new warrants were issued for Hammond’s arrest on charges of stalking and contempt for violating the protective order. A witness reported that Hammond repeatedly rode motorcycles past her home, revving the engine and causing fear.
Based on the new charges, Conder again moved for Hammond’s recommitment and requested a $1 million cash bond. Judge Smith approved the request, finding probable cause to believe Hammond violated his pretrial release terms. Hammond was taken into custody on July 2.
On the same day, Collins withdrew as lead counsel, and Jacobsma took over as primary defense attorney. On July 25, Jacobsma requested Bethany Brands of Okoboji join as co-counsel, which Judge Smith approved.
A trial scheduling conference originally set for July 29 was postponed to August 19, when Chief Judge Patrick Todd officially scheduled the jury trial for March 10.
