Watertown Woman Now Faces Official Attempted First-Degree Murder Charge

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD – Prosecutors have formally upgraded charges to Attempted First-Degree Murder against 27-year-old Melody Lane Harless following a weekend stabbing that left her fiancé hospitalized. A formal complaint filed Monday in Codington County escalated the case, alleging Harless acted with a “premeditated design to effect the death” of the victim.

The incident began Sunday afternoon when Watertown Police were alerted to a vehicle “traveling at a high rate of speed” and driving through “two red traffic lights” near Prairie Lakes Hospital. Shortly after, hospital staff confirmed a stabbing victim, identified as Justus Daryl Severtson, had been dropped off at the emergency room.

Incident Details and Hospitalization

Severtson suffered a single stab wound to the “upper left side of his chest.” Medical staff informed investigators that the injury resulted in a “collapsed left lung,” requiring the immediate insertion of a chest tube. Severtson remains hospitalized as of Monday.

According to the probable cause statement, Severtson and Harless—who have been engaged for three years—were “packing things in boxes” while arguing in their living room. Severtson told police that when he attempted to walk away from the confrontation, Harless picked up a kitchen knife with an “8-10 inch blade and a white handle” and “poked” him in the chest.

The Investigation

Severtson described falling to the ground and telling Harless he was “bleeding a lot” and needed medical attention. He stated that Harless then asked if he was “alright,” told him they needed to “stop arguing,” and said she “doesn’t want Justus to leave” before driving him to the hospital. During the high-speed drive, Severtson reported he was “seeing white light” and that “everything was closing in.”

Officers located Harless and her burgundy Dodge Magnum later that afternoon at a separate residence. While Harless initially told police that Severtson had been “stabbed by somebody,” she also reportedly mentioned that she had “recently used methamphetamine” before refusing to answer further questions.

Legal Proceedings and Criminal History

Harless is currently charged with Attempted First-Degree Murder, a Class 2 felony. Under South Dakota law, an attempt to commit a Class A or B felony (such as murder) is classified as a Class 2 felony, carrying a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

Court records highlight a prior criminal history for Harless in Codington County, including:

·        May 2020: Arrested for “Keeping place for use or sale of controlled substances,” inhabiting a room where drugs were illegally used, and possession of marijuana.

·        January 2024: Arrested for “Drug-huff/Ingest Drug/Substance” and “Keeping a Place for use of Controlled Substance.”

Magistrate Judge Gary Schumacher found probable cause for the charges Sunday night and ordered Harless held “without bond.” She is scheduled for an initial appearance and bond hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 9:30 a.m. Attorneys Alison Bakken and Joseph Thronson are listed as representing the State.