FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :      Tuesday, December 08, 2015
CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605)773-3215   

Matthew Tornquist Conviction and Life Sentence for Murder of Mother
Affirmed by South Dakota Supreme Court

 
PIERRE, S.D.-   Attorney General Marty Jackley announces today that Matthew C. Tornquist, 30, Hot Springs, conviction and life sentence with no opportunity for parole has been affirmed by the South Dakota Supreme Court. On July 14, 2014, Tornquist was found guilty of murder, which carried a mandatory life sentence and grand theft.

“Matthew Tornquist murdered his mother Catherine while she slept.  Local, state and federal law enforcement 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 want to again 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 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.

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

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