SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - A total of 23 inmates have died while in the custody of the South Dakota Department of Corrections this calendar year, a tragic number in comparison to previous years.

Last year, there were only four offender deaths in the custody of South Dakota Prisons.

There are various ways of reacting to the recent deaths that may have been preventable.

“Larry Franklin’s unfortunate death, on Thanksgiving, I think sheds further light on the need for a legislative response. I’ve already begun the conversations with the legislature,” said Attorney General Marty Jackley.

Attorney General Jackley says drugs that may have ended lives prematurely are ending up in the hands of inmates in several ways.

“The drugs are coming in from both prison staff as well as outsid

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