SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – 44-year-old Angie Scholl leaves behind three kids and a life full of memories. Her southwest Sioux Falls home was decorated for Halloween, but instead of celebrating on October 31st, her family was mourning her loss and her husband was arrested for her murder.
Friday, Jimmie Ledbetter Jr. entered a not-guilty plea. A judge set his bond at 1 million dollars cash only.
“He was arrested without incident and he will remain at the Minnehaha County Jail until his preliminary hearing,” Lincoln County State’s Attorney Tom Wollman said.
According to court documents, Angie filed for divorce alleging extreme cruelty, and Ledbetter told detectives he was angry about it.
The day before she was killed, she changed her garage door code and the locks to her home. But security camera video shows Ledbetter entering the house through the front door.
“An autopsy was completed and the Lincoln County coroner ruled the manner of death as a homicide caused by manual strangulation. During the investigation, detectives were able to establish probable cause that led to the arrest of Jimmie David Ledbetter Jr.,” Lt. Aaron Nyberg with the Sioux Falls Police Department said.
Family members have set up a GoFundMe account to help with funeral costs. But Ledbetter also set one up claiming he needed assistance with his wife’s “unfortunate passing.” Family members want people to be careful to make sure donations end up in the right account.
“Use caution when they’re going to be donating any money to somebody online and maybe know as much as you can about the situation before you send money to somebody,” Nyberg said.
As Ledbetter waits for his next court hearing, family members are remembering Angie for her bright smile and contagious laugh. KELOLAND News received the following statement from the family:
“Angie was everyone’s favorite person. She was the most selfless and loyal person I’d ever met. She made sacrifices for her family and friends over and over again, constantly prioritizing others’ needs before her own. Her smile was bright and her laugh was so contagious. She leaves behind three children who will all have a huge void in their hearts from her loss. She boasted about her kids’ accomplishments any time you talked to her, she absolutely loved them and will surely continue to be proud of them from up above. She touched the lives of many, her passing is incomprehensible, she will be deeply missed.”
Ledbetter Jr. is scheduled to appear in court again on November 15th at 8:30 am.
