Press Release

South Dakota Man Sentenced to Prison in Cold Case Homicide

July 12, 2013

Today, 31 year old Derrick Torian of Spearfish, South Dakota, was sentenced to serve 15 years in prison for his role in the March 2000 murder of Genevieve Tetpon. Torian’s sentence comes as a result of his conviction for manslaughter.

On March 22, 2000, 28 year old Genevieve Tetpon’s body was discovered near Arctic Valley Road. She had been stabbed 30 times and her body was wrapped in a sleeping bag. The initial investigation went cold.

In 2009, the Anchorage Police Department assigned Detective Dave Cordie to re-open the investigation. His investigation revealed that there were at least two suspects responsible for the crimes and items of evidence could be traced back to Torian, who lived in Anchorage at the time of the crimes. Ultimately, the Alaska State Crime Lab connected Torian to the crime through DNA.

Tetpon’s family members were present at today’s hearing and provided victim impact statements, expressing the profound impact Tetpon’s death had on their family. After 13 years of uncertainty, the family was provided some measure of closure. Torian began serving his sentence today.

CONTACT: Assistant District Attorney Paul Miovas @ (907) 269-6300 at the Anchorage District Attorney’s Office.

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Department Media Contacts: Communications Director Patty Sullivan at patty.sullivan@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6368. Information Officer Sam Curtis at sam.curtis@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6269.