FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 25, 2019

PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg announced today that the South Dakota Supreme Court has denied Charles Russell Rhines’ motion to stay his execution and also has affirmed the dismissal of his challenge to the written policy of the South Dakota Department of Corrections. Rhines was convicted in 1993 for brutally murdering 22 year-old Donnivan Schaeffer during a burglary of a Rapid City donut shop on March 8, 1992.

“These decisions by the South Dakota Supreme Court brings us two steps closer to both justice and closure for the family of Donnivan Schaeffer,” said Ravnsborg.  “Donnivan’s life was savagely ended by Charles Rhines, who has now been on death row for 5 years more than Donnivan lived.  We continue to seek justice for Donnivan.  It is time for this process to be over so the family can heal.”

Rhines v. South Dakota Department of Corrections Appeal

Order Denying Motion For Stay of Execution

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CONTACT: Tim Bormann, Chief of Staff, (605) 773-3215