Grand Forks Herald

Published February 03 2010

Judge drops charges in AIM slaying

After 35 years, a judge has thrown out the indictment of one of two men charged with kidnapping and murdering AIM leader Annie Mae Aquash.

FARGO — A federal judge in South Dakota has thrown out an indictment against John Graham, one of two men accused in the 1975 slaying of fellow American Indian Movement activist Annie Mae Aquash (AHK’-wash).

Graham and Richard Marshall were charged in federal court with killing or aiding the murder of Aquash. U.S. District Judge Lawrence Piersol today agreed to drop the charges against Graham after a request from prosecutors.

Trial for Marshall is scheduled later this month.

Graham also is charged in South Dakota state court with taking part in the kidnapping and killing.