FLANDREAU — A Sioux Falls man accused of first-degree murder in the death of a Moody County Deputy sheriff will stand trial next spring.

Trial was set for April 21, 2025, at a hearing last Friday in Flandreau. Joseph Hoek faces the state’s highest charge in the Feb. 2 death of Chief Deputy Ken Prorok.

State Attorney General Marty Jackley is prosecuting the case and the court set aside up to five weeks for the trial.

Earlier this year, the state filed its intent to seek the death penalty in the case if Hoek is found guilty. 

Hoek is accused of first-degree murder and aggravated eluding in the Feb. 2 hit-and-run incident along state Highway 34, where Prorok lost his life laying down a spike strip in an attempt to stop Hoek during a high-speed chase out of Madison.

An eyewitness reported seeing Hoek deliberately swerve to hit Prorok and flee the scene.

Jackley has cited two factors the state believes justify the death penalty under state law: That Hoek committed first-degree murder while Prorok was engaged in the performance of his official duties and that he also committed first-degree murder for the purpose of avoiding, interfering with, or preventing a lawful arrest of Hoek.

Hoek has pleaded not guilty in the case. His attorney asked the court for a mental health evaluation on Friday, a necessary precursor to an insanity defense.

— From staff reports