Overview
- The South Dakota Supreme Court ruled 5-0 that police officers qualify as victims under Marsy’s Law and may have their names redacted in public court records.
- Justice Robert Gusinsky wrote that even a name or initials can be used to locate or harass a victim.
- The opinion reverses Circuit Judge Susan Sabers’ order that barred redactions in the Minnehaha County case.
- The justices sent the matter back for a fact-specific balance that can include sealed filings or closed hearings to preserve defense access.
- The ruling stems from an April 2024 Sioux Falls shooting tied to Samir Albaidhani, who was later convicted in Union County on attempted murder and other counts, and it could reshape how South Dakota handles officer-involved shootings and public disclosure.