Murder charges have been dismissed against two men accused in connection with the disappearance of Beverly Ann Ulrich, who was last seen in Belle Fourche more than two decades ago.
The Butte County State’s Attorney’s Office announced it is dropping murder charges against Steven Lee Ulrich of Belle Fourche and Max Richard Piekkola of Rapid City. The two men were charged in November of 2025 in relation to Beverly Ann Ulrich’s disappearance.
In a statement, prosecutors said a review of the evidence determined there is not currently enough admissible evidence to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
The charges were dismissed without prejudice, meaning prosecutors could refile charges in the future if new evidence becomes available.
Beverly Ann Ulrich was last seen in Belle Fourche in October of 2003, and her disappearance remains an open investigation.
Authorities say the case is still active, and investigators continue to seek information that could help determine what happened to Beverly Ann Ulrich.
