CANTON, S.D. (KELO) — A Lincoln County jury says Justin Rackley is responsible for the deaths of three people. Throughout the trial, family and friends of the victims packed the courtroom to hear witness testimony.
Tuesday, they finally heard the verdict they were hoping for.
A little more than a year after police found Michael Thompson, Kellie Reaves and Daniel Kemnitz dead in southwest Sioux Falls, a jury said Justin Rackley was responsible for their deaths.
“We truly feel that justice has been served and that the man that murdered our son, plus Mike and Kellie, has been found guilty, and for that, we are grateful,” Daniel Kemnitz’s mother, Jean Kemnitz said.
It was an emotional day inside the courtroom. The parents of Daniel Kemnitz have found themselves reflecting on the life their son lived.
“I’ve got so many good memories of he and I out hunting. He was my good buddy for hunting and fishing. He was good. He was a good kid,” Daniel Kemnitz’s father, Len Kemnitz said.
“He was a remarkable person. He was a great big, huge teddy bear,” Jean Kemnitz said.
For them, the trial was grueling.
“It’s been emotional all week through the whole trial. Just hearing the testimonies, seeing the pictures, visiting with other other families. It’s been a trying week,” Len Kemnitz said.
Jordan: And then, what are your emotions now after the verdict?
“Relief. Relief that it’s over and relieved that justice has been served,” Len Kemnitz said.
“It gives us a sense of closure that now we can start to heal and understand that this was a tragedy that happened and that our son is safely in the hands of our Lord,” Jean Kemnitz said.
“It gives me a sense of closure that this part of it is over with, but the grief still is there. I’ll carry that,” Len Kemnitz said.
Along with their son, the Kemnitzs hope Michael Thompson and Kellie Reaves can be honored, too.
“Just remember the good times instead of that tragic night. Go to remember them with joy and contentment and happiness,” Jean Kemnitz said.
Rackley was also found guilty of two counts of aggravated assault, injuring two people who survived the shooting.
