BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. — State prosecutors say charges have been dropped against two men arrested in cold case earlier this year.
Steven Lee Ulrich and Max Piekkola were arrested and charged in connection with the disappearance of Beverly Ozuna-Ulrich of Belle Fourche.
Steven Ulrich was facing a murder charge while Piekkola was charged with accessory to a felony.
In a prepared statement, the Butte County State’s Attorney stated:
“Following a review of the evidence currently available, the Butte County State’s Attorney’s Office has determined that the state does not presently have sufficient evidence to prove the charged offenses beyond a reasonable doubt.”
The release stated that charges were dismissed without prejudice, meaning that charges could be filed in the future if additional evidence is developed.
Ozuna-Ulrich was last seen in Belle Fourche on Oct. 17, 2003.
Ten days after she was last seen, reportedly at Ulrich’s home, her family reported her missing.
