$5M bond set for suspect in Sioux Falls double homicide

The man suspected of killing his mother and a 7-year-old boy Sunday afternoon at a trailer home north of Sioux Falls appeared in court Monday.

The state's attorney said 24-year-old Heath Otto allegedly strangled the victims and then stabbed them with a kitchen knife.

Upon hearing the details of the double homicide, the victims' family became very emotional inside the courtroom.

A $5 million cash bond has been set.

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A 24-year-old man is facing murder charges after a double homicide just north of Sioux Falls this weekend.

According to Capt. Jason Gearman, Heath Otto was arrested on Sunday at a mobile home at 6200 North Cliff Avenue.

Investigators believe Otto killed 48-year-old Carol Simon and a 7-year-old boy at that home.

Gearman says Otto was Simon's son. He did not specify his relationship to the 7-year-old victim.

Authorities received a panic alarm from the home Sunday afternoon. Gearman says Otto, who lives at the residence, set off the alarm. He was waiting for police when they arrived.

Investigators found evidence of strangulation and stab wounds at the scene.

Otto faces two counts of premeditated first-degree murder. He will make his first appearance in court Monday afternoon.