Nicklaus Houchin: South Dakota man pleads guilty to killing sister amid altercation in inebriated state

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

RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA: A 29-year-old man named Nicklaus Ray Houchin from Rapid City pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter for killing his sister during a dispute while delivering food. 

Nicklaus was arrested on September 22, 2022, following an altercation with his 31-year-old sister, Danielle Houchin, during which he allegedly strangled her to death.

Subsequently, he was charged with first-degree manslaughter in connection to his sister's death

What happened in recent court hearing of Nicklaus Houchin?

As reported by KEVN, following Nicklaus Houchin's admission of guilt in his sister's killing, his attorney stated that an altercation had broken out between his sister, Danielle, and their mother Eliason Houchin in the car. 

Nicklaus intervened to separate them but tragically ended up unintentionally causing his sister's death by choking her. 

The report stated that Nicklaus would receive a life sentence in his hearing scheduled for March 25.

What did Nicklaus' family claim during bond hearing in 2022?

The family asked for Nicklaus Houchin's bond to be lowered so he could attend his sister's funeral and be with family during the court process as per Rapid City Journal.

Christopher Houchin, Nicklaus's older brother, told the court, "He's as important to us as we are to him."

At the bond hearing, Eliason spoke and expressed her love for her son, Nicklaus.

She wants him to be with his family and have time to grieve for Danielle. She didn't want to talk about what happened between her children.

Nicklaus's father, Nathaniel Houchin, said his son would stay with him if he was out on bond. He mentioned that alcohol played a part in the incident, noting that Nicklaus had four DUIs pending at the time. 

Pennington County's Deputy State's Attorney Aaron Hellbusch also said alcohol was involved.

Nathaniel said, "Alcohol is the devil, and it makes people do dumb things."

The family told the Journal that Nicklaus and Danielle were very close siblings who spent a lot of time together.

Nathaniel mentioned the pain Nicklaus felt waking up in jail, realizing what had happened, and how close he and Danielle were. He believed Danielle would have forgiven Nicklaus.

Christopher described his brother as someone who doesn't easily get angry, even when drinking. He wanted people to know that Nicklaus wasn't a bad or violent person; he just needed some help, like everyone does.

It is also worth noting that Christopher claimed "It's not like she was just some damsel in distress. When she came at you, you either ran or you just kinda had to learn how to deal with it,” about his sister.

What happened at the crime scene?

According to a report by newcenter1, the Rapid City Police Department (RCPD) stated that Danielle Houchin of Rapid City passed away following an altercation with her brother on Endeavour Boulevard around 8 pm on September 22, 2022. 

RCPD indicated that they were called to the parking lot of 1415 Eglin Street where they found an unresponsive female receiving CPR. 

Emergency medical personnel took over, attempting life-saving measures, and then transported her to the hospital. However, Houchin was pronounced dead during transit. 

After speaking with witnesses, RCPD learned that Houchin had been in a vehicle with several other passengers, consuming alcohol while working for a food delivery service. 

The altercation occurred when they stopped at a restaurant on Endeavour Boulevard, where Nicklaus confronted and subsequently choked his sister to death. 

The witnesses claimed that Danielle Houchin remained unresponsive in the vehicle until the group reached Eglin Street, where they called 911.