South Dakota prosecutors have filed eight charges against a central Iowa man after a July 4 crash north of Pierre that left a 9-year-old girl dead and a 16-year-old with minor injuries.
Charges and circumstances
Authorities identified the defendant as 38-year-old Zachary Berger of Indianola. State investigators say Berger was operating a Utility Terrain Vehicle when he attempted to turn the vehicle around and it rolled. The driver was not hurt in the wreck.
South Dakota’s attorney general has labeled Berger a habitual offender, and prosecutors say he could face a life sentence if convicted on the most serious counts.
| Charge | Included? |
|---|---|
| Vehicular homicide | Yes |
| Second-degree manslaughter | Yes |
| Abuse or cruelty to a minor | Yes |
| Failure to assure a minor passenger wore a seatbelt | Yes |
Victims and prior record
Officials say the girl who died was 9 years old and from Waterloo. The other passenger, a 16-year-old from Des Moines, suffered minor injuries and was treated after the crash.
Records on the Iowa Department of Corrections website show Berger has a string of felony and serious misdemeanor convictions dating to 2008, all out of Black Hawk County. Prosecutors cited his prior convictions when describing him as a habitual offender.
Local impact and safety context
UTV and off-road vehicle crashes have been a growing concern in rural Plains states, where these machines are commonly used for work and recreation. When crashes involve children, questions often follow about supervision, passenger restraints and vehicle handling on uneven terrain. The charge of failing to ensure a minor was belted highlights that concern in this case.
- When: Crash occurred on or about July 4.
- Where: North of Pierre, South Dakota.
- Defendant: Zachary Berger, 38, of Indianola, Iowa.
As the case moves through the court system, prosecutors will make charging documents and additional details available through the attorney general’s office and local law enforcement. For families and community members, the investigation serves as a reminder to review safety protocols for off-road vehicles, especially when transporting children.
News Block will monitor filings in this case and report on court dates, additional evidence released by investigators and any statements from the families or their attorneys.
