SPRINGFIELD, S.D. – Authorities are investigating another suspected drug overdose death at the Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield. The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation has now investigated seven prison inmate deaths since February 2025.
According to Attorney General Marty Jackley, 46-year-old inmate Timothy Tyree was found dead early Monday morning. An autopsy has been ordered.
“These suspected drug overdose deaths are becoming too common within our prison system,” Jackley said in a press release. “The DCI and Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General will do a thorough investigation of this death. If criminal charges are warranted, we will announce them at the proper time.”
Of the seven inmate deaths investigated this year, two cases have led to felony charges. 21-year-old inmate Manarion Timothy Douglas Fuse has been charged with two felonies—distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death, and distribution of a controlled substance, synthetic cannabinoids. Investigators say Fuse provided a synthetic drug to fellow inmate Anthony Richards, who died at the penitentiary on Feb. 6, 2025. If convicted, Fuse faces up to 70 years in prison.
A second person, Melibu Lynn Ross, 49, of Sioux Falls, is accused of smuggling methamphetamine into the prison during a visit with inmate Jason Garreau on May 14. Garreau died the next day from an overdose. Ross is charged with distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and faces a maximum sentence of 25 years.
Both are scheduled for jury trial in January.
