Trial Underway for Watertown Man in 2024 Yankton High School Shooting

Northeast Radio SD News - Yankton, SD - Testimony began Monday in the trial of Andrew Lee Jondahl, a 41-year-old Watertown man facing multiple felony charges stemming from a December 2024 officer-involved shooting at Yankton High School.

The incident occurred during a wrestling triangular on December 5, 2024. Prosecutors allege that Jondahl was intoxicated on school grounds while in possession of a long-barreled firearm. According to court records and witness testimony, Jondahl was found sitting in his pickup truck in the school parking lot with the weapon in his lap, prompting a 911 call.

Jondahl faces a five-count indictment, including:

·        Two counts of Aggravated Assault Against a Law Enforcement Officer: Each Class 2 felony carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in state prison.

·        Possession of a Loaded Firearm While Intoxicated: A Class 1 misdemeanor.

·        Possession of a Firearm on School Premises: A Class 1 misdemeanor.

·        Habitual Offender Status: Court records indicate an additional filing regarding one or more prior felony convictions.

Opening Arguments

During opening statements, the prosecution detailed the tense confrontation that led two Yankton police officers to fire their weapons. Jondahl sustained four non-life-threatening gunshot wounds during the exchange. An investigation by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has determined that the officers’ use of force was justified. (KVHT)

Defense attorney Brent Matter presented a different narrative to the jury, arguing that Jondahl was not a threat to the public but was instead suffering a severe mental health crisis. Witnesses called to the stand on Monday described Jondahl as “distraught” and “possibly suicidal” at the time of the encounter.

Case History and Status

Jondahl previously entered a plea of “Not Guilty” to all charges during his arraignment in March 2025. While his trial was initially slated for July 2025, several continuances moved the proceedings to this week.

According to court financial records, Jondahl remains free after posting a $100,000 cash bond in March 2025.

The trial is scheduled to continue through Friday, January 30, at the Yankton County Courthouse, with additional witness testimony and police body-camera footage expected to be presented. Northeast Radio SD News spoke with the Attorney General’s Office, which intends to send out a press release after the verdict.