Sioux Falls Man Accused of Joseph Cynkar's Murder Makes Plea

One of the two men charged in the death of Joseph Cynkar in July was back in court.

Friday, KDLT News told you that both Benjamin Carter and Payton Strum were charged with first degree murder, but there are new details on the case.

Benjamin Carter was back in a Minnehaha County courtroom Monday. He's accused of killing 27-year-old Joseph Cynkar, robbing him, and dumping his body in a rural field in Lyon County. Now, Carter also faces drug charges.

According to court papers, police found dextroamphetamine, ecstasy, hashish, and marijuana in Carter's possession. Officials also found a smoking device in the 29-year-old's car.

Police say Carter intended to grow and sell the drugs as well as use them.

Minnehaha County State's attorney says Carter plead not guilty to all charges. The murder charges is a class 1 felony and faces no less than life in prison and possibly death.

The robbery and arson he faces up to 25 year behind bars.

The co-defendant in this case, Payton Strum, is scheduled to be in court Tuesday

Farewell, to a dear friend

There are no wordz to describe the agony I feel so deep inside my heart. It hurts to breathe. I dont know whether I will ever speak of this again, so I hope everyone who visits here is listenin to me now.

When my beloved uncle was dying from emphysema back in 2006 in Boston Massachusetts my mother gave him a special gift; somethin that said "because of you there is a song in my heart that knows no end." Because of you, Joseph Edward Cynkar, there is a song in our hearts that will never end...

Life is fragile, so please be the best caretaker u can be. Live well & if u are goin to die on somebody, die somebody's hero.

God bless u, Joey. God luv u foreva. Farewell, precious friend.

Cristiana

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