Joseph Hoek: SD suspect charged with murder after running down Chief Deputy faces possible death penalty

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA: South Dakota prosecutors have charged Joseph Gene Hoek, a 40-year-old Sioux Falls man, with first-degree murder and aggravated eluding in connection with the death of Moody County Chief Deputy Ken Prorok.

The 51-year-old deputy lost his life during a police chase on Friday, February 2, when he was struck while deploying spikes to stop the suspect's vehicle, who now faces the possibility of a death penalty.

Hoek, who appeared in court on Monday, was ordered held without bail. The court appearance shed light on a troubling narrative surrounding the suspect's life, marked by a reported "downward spiral" characterized by drug use and escalating threats of violence, according to Special Agent Jeffrey Kollars of the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.

What led to the high-speed chase?

The incident unfolded when Madison police responded to a call reporting "homicidal threats" made by Hoek near a local business. The ensuing high-speed chase reached 115 mph, culminating in Prorok's tragic death as he attempted to deploy stop spikes.

In an interview with Hoek after waiving his right to remain silent, Agent Kollars revealed that the 40-year-old claimed to have gone to the business to collect money owed to him. When informed of Deputy Sheriff Prorok's death resulting from his actions, Hoek expressed disbelief, citing issues with anxiety and panic attacks affecting his memory.

A subsequent search of his vehicle uncovered suspected THC vapes, marijuana paraphernalia, and drug-related items. Hoek admitted to suffering from pain and obtaining prescription narcotics, but he alleged being denied medications by many doctors. He also disclosed the recent use of medical marijuana and a prescription for Xanax.

Was Joseph Gene Hoek's mental health a contributing factor in the deadly crash?

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is personally overseeing the case and is considering the possibility of seeking the death penalty. Before making a final decision, Jackley expressed the need to thoroughly investigate any mitigating factors.

He emphasized the importance of meeting with Prorok's family and consulting with the sheriff and deputies involved in the case. “I believe the attorney general should lead from the front and I’ve always tried to do that," Jackley said. "Especially when it involves a law enforcement officer that gave the ultimate sacrifice,” as per AP.

Hoek's defense attorney, Manuel De Castro, has indicated that his client might be "overcharged," pointing to potential mental health issues that need exploration. De Castro is currently in the process of gathering information and acknowledging the emotional nature of the case. “I know it's an emotional case for everybody involved. But we'll go from there," he said.