On November 13, 2023, the life of 32-year-old Mercades Dahlvang, a White female from Philip, South Dakota, was tragically cut short in what authorities have described as a murder-attempted suicide. Law enforcement responded to reports of gunshots in Rapid Valley and discovered both Dahlvang and 33-year-old Steven Custer of Rapid City lying in the front yard of a residence.
Both individuals were immediately transported to a local hospital for medical attention.
Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Mercades Dahlvang succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. Steven Custer, who was suffering from what was determined to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, was initially listed in critical condition. The Pennington County Sheriff's Office identified Custer as the suspect in Dahlvang's death.
In the days that followed the incident, Steven Custer also died from his injuries. The investigation into the deaths of both Mercades Dahlvang and Steven Custer pointed to a murder-suicide, with no outstanding suspects being sought by law enforcement.
