Everett Owens

Everett Owens, 47, and his wife Luella were well-known in the small, rural community near Gettysburg, South Dakota. The couple had two sons, Raymond and Monte. By 1970, their sons were grown; one was a doctor in the state capital of Pierre, and the other was an investment advisor in Oklahoma. Everett and Luella lived a quiet life on their farm, part of a landscape of wide-open fields and close-knit families in Potter County.

The peace of that life was shattered on Sunday, January 11, 1970. On that winter day, a fire broke out at the Owens' farmhouse. When emergency responders entered the home to battle the blaze, they made a horrific discovery. Everett and Luella had not perished in the fire; they had both been shot to death. The fire, investigators concluded, had been set to conceal the double homicide. The shocking violence of the crime sent a wave of fear and disbelief through the central South Dakota community, leaving friends and neighbors to wonder who could have committed such a brutal act against the couple.

The investigation was launched immediately, eventually being taken over by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). Investigators processed the scene, seeking clues amidst the fire and water damage. They worked to piece together a timeline of the Owens' last hours and identify anyone who might have had a motive to kill them. However, the case proved difficult from the start. In the decades that followed, leads grew cold and potential witnesses' memories faded. Despite the passage of time, the case has never been closed.

Over the years, the double murder of Everett and Luella Owens has remained a dark chapter in the region's history. The lack of resolution has left a lasting wound for their surviving family. The case is a stark reminder of the violence that can touch even the most seemingly peaceful corners of the country. For investigators, it represents a puzzle that has defied solution for more than half a century.

As technology advanced, so did the hope that new forensic methods might break the stalemate. The Owens case is now listed on the South Dakota DCI's roster of unresolved cases. This special unit is tasked with reviewing cold cases, re-examining evidence with modern technology, and seeking new witness cooperation that may not have been available to the original investigators. The goal is to find justice for victims and their families, no matter how much time has passed.

The case of Everett and Luella Owens remains an active and open investigation. As recently as March 2024, it was highlighted in media reports on South Dakota's unsolved homicides, a testament to the enduring effort to find answers. The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation continues to seek information from the public that might finally lead to an arrest and bring a measure of closure to the family. Anyone with information regarding the murders of Everett and Luella Owens is encouraged to contact the DCI Tip Line at 605-394-1884 or email [email protected].