“Victim Identified in Western Sioux Falls Homicide as Bonita Keeble”

Sioux Falls, South Dakota — West side of the city.
A tragic incident on Tuesday morning claimed the life of a local woman after a shooting on the west side of Sioux Falls. The victim has been identified as Bonita Keeble, authorities confirmed following the fatal event. The Sioux Falls Police Department (SFPD) arrived at the scene shortly after the call reporting shots fired and found Keeble fatally wounded.

According to the police report, officers were dispatched to the area due to a disturbance involving gunfire. Upon arrival, they discovered Keeble suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Medical personnel were called immediately, but despite their efforts, Bonita Keeble was pronounced deceased at the scene. The exact time of the shooting has not been officially released beyond being in the early morning hours on Tuesday.

Investigators have begun canvassing the neighborhood, speaking with residents and possible witnesses, and reviewing any available surveillance footage. Detectives from the homicide unit have taken lead on the case and are urging anyone with information to come forward. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear at this stage.

Bonita Keeble was known in the community as a longtime resident of Sioux Falls and had strong family ties in the area. Friends and neighbors remember her as kind-hearted and active in her neighborhood. She was described as someone who would often check on older residents and take part in local community efforts. Her friends say she loved spending time with her grandchildren and was always ready to help a neighbor with yard work or errands.

The victim’s family issued a brief statement through the police department: “Our hearts are broken beyond words. Bonita was a loving mother and grandmother, a loyal friend, and a pillar in our family. We ask for privacy as we grieve and begin to understand how this could have happened.” A memorial gathering is being planned by her family, with details expected to be released in the coming days.

Police have not made any arrests to date. SFPD has confirmed that the case remains open and active. Detectives are checking for ballistic evidence, possible shell casings, and have asked patrol officers to review body-worn camera footage from nearby calls preceding the incident. Additionally, they are examining whether the shooting could be linked to any prior incidents in the area or whether it might have been a targeted act or random violence.

In a press briefing, a spokesperson for the police department stressed the importance of community assistance in solving the case. “We depend on witnesses coming forward,” the spokesperson said. “Even small pieces of information — a vehicle seen leaving the area, a person acting suspiciously, or a sound of breaking glass — could be critical in helping us reconstruct what happened and hold someone responsible.”

Residents in the west-side neighborhood told reporters they were shaken by the event. “I never thought something like this would happen here,” said one long-time resident who asked to remain anonymous. “It was quiet, friendly. To wake up to news that someone was shot… it just changed everything for us.” Another neighbor, who lives across the street from where the incident occurred, described hearing “loud bangs” early in the morning, then seeing police cars flood the street and flashing lights reflecting off windows.

Mayor’s office and city council members released a joint statement expressing condolences to Keeble’s family and reaffirming support for the investigation. “The safety of our citizens is our highest priority,” the statement read. “We will work alongside law enforcement and community organizations to provide any assistance needed and to ensure justice is pursued.”

As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, and many are calling for increased vigilance, neighborhood watch programs, and more lighting in the area. Bonita Keeble’s death has shaken her family, friends, and the broader Sioux Falls community. While the questions about who did this and why remain unanswered, what is clear is that a cherished life has been lost, and law enforcement is committed to finding answers.

May Bonita Keeble rest in peace.