Rapid City, SD – Today, a painful chapter came to a close as Richard Hirth, 44, was sentenced to life in the South Dakota State Penitentiary for his role in the 2015 murder-for-hire plot that took the life of 22-year-old Jessica Rehfeld. Hirth was the last of five individuals to be sentenced in the case, and the one who carried out the final, brutal act. He callously stabbed Jessica multiple times, ending her life in an act the Court described as “heinous and senseless.”
Seventh Circuit Judge Heidi Linngren imposed the maximum sentence allowed under South Dakota law, ensuring Hirth will spend the rest of his natural life in prison with no possibility of parole.
Hirth pled guilty this morning to aiding and abetting first-degree manslaughter. In exchange, the State dismissed the original first-degree murder charge.
“Make no mistake, this was a calculated and cold-blooded killing,” Roetzel said. “This plea allowed us to finally resolve this case, something Jessica’s family desperately needed. We were optimistic that even under the lesser charge, the Court would impose a life sentence, and we’re grateful that it did.”
Assistant Chief Deputy State’s Attorney Kelsey Blair, who played a key role in the prosecution, emphasized the long but important path to justice.
“Justice did not come quickly. It did not come easily. But it came,” Blair said. “And that is why we do this work, to fight for what’s right, to stand up for victims, to make our community safer, and to ensure that every life taken is honored with accountability.”
Jessica Rehfeld’s memory has remained at the heart of this case. She was described by family as a vibrant, strong young woman who fought hard for the life she wanted.
“We will never forget Jessica’s courage in her final moments. She fought to live. She asked to speak to her father. She begged to see the stars. Her voice, even in her last breath, is what drives us to stand here today and affirm that her life mattered,” Roetzel said.
The case has spanned nearly a decade, marked by repeated delays and emotional tolls on all involved. Through it all, the investigative and prosecutorial teams remained steadfast in their pursuit of justice.
For futher details of the case, click here: https://rapidcitypost.com/after-a-decade-murder-case-comes-to-a-close/
