Rapid City, SD — A Rapid City teenager has been sentenced to 90 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of a vicious attack that left a 66-year-old woman with life-threatening injuries. Connor Kern, 19, was convicted of aggravated assault and attempted first-degree murder for the incident that occurred in March. The victim was found severely beaten and left for dead in an alleyway in downtown Rapid City, according to the Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office.
During Kern’s trial, evidence showed that he had violently assaulted the woman with the intent to steal her purse. The attack, captured partially by surveillance video, led to immediate public outrage and highlighted concerns over youth crime in the area. Following his arrest, Kern pleaded not guilty, but altered his plea to no contest as new evidence was presented, including DNA matching him to the scene.
Officials stated that the elderly woman, whose name has not been disclosed, was hospitalized for multiple weeks, undergoing several surgeries due to blunt force trauma to her head and body. There was a significant presence of community support at the trial, with many local residents and family members of the victim attending to see the proceedings.
Judge Robert Mandel, who handed down the sentence, emphasized the brutality and premeditated nature of the attack in his ruling. “This was a reprehensible act that not only aimed to dehumanize the victim but also instilled fear within our community. Such behavior warrants severe consequences,” Mandel stated during the sentencing.
Additionally, the case has sparked a dialogue among local officials and community leaders regarding preventive measures against violent crimes, especially involving younger perpetrators. Rapid City Police Chief Karl Jegeris commented on the sentencing, underlining the necessity of community safety and the importance of supporting programs that help steer youth away from criminal activities.
The defense argued that Kern, who was 18 at the time of the crime, faced personal hardships that led him astray. His attorney requested leniency, citing untreated mental health issues and a tumultuous family background. However, the prosecution countered that the severity of the crime necessitated a substantial penalty to both punish and deter similar future acts.
Judge Mandel also imposed a suspended sentence condition, under which Kern would be eligible for parole only after serving at least 50 years of his sentence. This provision aims to ensure a substantial period of rehabilitation and reflection for Kern while balancing the interests of community safety and victim justice.
Legal experts have pointed to this case as an example of the justice system’s role in addressing violent crimes committed by teenagers, who are often tried as adults in severe cases. The outcome is seen as a potential deterrent that could influence how similar cases are handled in the future.
The State’s Attorney, Mark Vargo, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “This sentence not only brings justice to the victim and her family but also sends a clear message to our community about the consequences of engaging in such violent acts.”
As the city continues to heal from this brutal crime, community leaders have pledged to enhance local programs that focus on mental health, community engagement, and mentoring for the city’s youth to address underlying issues contributing to juvenile crime.