Number of homicides in South Dakota in 2020 more than doubled from year prior Data released last week by the South Dakota Attorney General reports 37 homicides in the state in 2020 — up from 16 in 2019. The previous year there were only 12. Written By: Christopher Vondracek | × PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota saw a sizable spike in homicides in 2020, according to recently released numbers from the state Attorney General's Office. The total homicides jumped to 37 last year, compared with only 16 the year prior — a whopping 131% increase. Over the past five years, the highest number of murders came in 2016, with 21. The bulk of the rise came in the state's two largest cities, Sioux Falls and Rapid City, but criminal homicides were also reported in smaller communities, such as rural Hamlin County.