CLARK, S.D. – A son has been charged with first-degree murder and second-degree murder of his mother, according to a news release from the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office.
Bowen Fladland, 36, was arrested Tuesday after a woman was found beheaded at a Clark home. Attorney General Marty Jackley says the woman was Marlene Fladland, Bowen’s mother. Jackley also says that Fladland has a history of violence against his family.
In 2023, court documents say he grabbed his mother by the throat and pushed her. When she managed to escape and hide, she heard him digging through the silverware drawer.
She opened the door to see what he was doing. Court documents say Bowen was holding two butter knives and said he was going to kill her.
In that case, Bowen was convicted of aggravated assault and received a 10 year suspended sentence – meaning he served no time in prison as long as he didn’t break the law again.
Two months ago, Bowen was accused of violating probation and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
“It is fairly common for us to see in criminal activity when somebody begins a pathway of violence, how it escalates,” said Jackley. “Which is why I feel it’s so important that these issues are addressed early on in a criminal history; that we need to make sure we do everything to keep the public safe.”
South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation Special Agent Tasha Vohlken stated in the affidavit that Fladland was located in Watertown and agreed to speak with agents at the Watertown Police Department. During an interview, the probable cause affidavit directly states: “Fladland admitted to assaulting his mother, kneeling on her neck until she was apparently deceased and then used a tool to remove her head.”
The charges allege that on or about July 5, 2025, in Clark County, Bowen Jay Fladland killed Marlene Fladland. The First Degree Murder charge, a Class A Felony, states the act was committed with a premeditated design to effect her death. The Second Degree Murder charge, a Class B Felony, alleges the killing occurred by an act imminently dangerous to others and evincing a depraved mind, without regard for human life.
A relative had heard from the victim on the morning of July 5, with court documents saying Marlene told the family member that Bowen had assaulted her.
“There is no threat to the public,” said Attorney General Marty Jackley in the news release. “We ask the public to stay away from the crime scene so a thorough investigation can be done.”
Fladland is being held in the Codington County Jail in Watertown, S.D., on a $500,000 cash bond..
The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is the lead agency, with assistance from the Clark Police Department.
