SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KFGO KELO) – A 40-year-old cold case in the death of a newborn has concluded with a sentence of less than one year in custody for manslaughter.
On February 28, 1981, then 19-year-old Theresa Bentaas of Sioux Falls gave birth to “Baby Andrew.”
While first reported that the baby died from exposure, Judge Brad Zell pointed to evidence that the child was either stillborn or lived for only a short time before he was placed in a ditch on the east side of Sioux Falls. In court, Judge Zell said he knew the sentence he imposed on Bentaas would not satisfy the Bentaas family, the public, or the prosecution. But, Zell said he had a duty to try to do justice.
Bentaas was ordered to begin serving her sentence on Jan. 15.
