FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :    Tuesday, August 12, 2014
CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605)773-3215   

 
Fall River County Man Sentenced to Life for Death of His Mother

 
PIERRE, S.D –  Attorney General Marty Jackley and Custer County Deputy States Attorney/Special Assistant Attorney General Matt Brown announced today that Matthew C. Tornquist, 28, Hot Springs, was sentenced to life with no opportunity of parole and 10 years for grand theft, both sentences to run concurrently.  On July 15, 2014, a Pennington County jury found Tornquist guilty of murder which carries a mandatory life sentence and grand theft.

“Matthew Tornquist murdered his mother Catherine while she slept.  Local, state and federal law enforcement have worked tirelessly to solve this missing person homicide, and we will continue to pursue any leads in the hope of locating Catherine to bring further closure for her family. I especially wish to thank the men and women serving on the jury as murder cases are never easy but an essential part in preserving our system of justice,” said Attorney General Jackley.

On October 4, 2011, Matthew Tornquist murdered his mother at her home in Fall River County. There were over 50 searches in relation to Catherine Tornquist’s disappearance including public assisted searches.

The investigation was conducted by the Division of Criminal Investigation, Fall River County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Attorney General Marty Jackley and Special Assistant Attorney General Matt Brown.
 

-30-