April 2025 trial set for man accused of murdering Deputy Prorok

A trial date has been set for Joseph Gene Hoek, who is facing 1st degree murder charges for the death of Moody County Chief Deputy Ken Prorok. At a status hearing Thursday in Flandreau, Hoek’s trial date was set for April 21st of 2025. The trial is slated to run for 5 weeks. 

The judge in the case said that a mental competency evaluation determined that Hoek was competent to stand trial. Hoek’s attorneys were granted a motion for further evaluation for a mentally ill and insanity defense. 

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said the case is moving at an appropriate pace. 

After the hearing, Moody County Sheriff Troy Wellman said that, no matter what events are happening in the case, the whole department still carries Deputy Prorok with them.

A memorial for Chief Deputy Prorok was placed at the accident site early this week, on Highway 34.