February marks annual report season for the Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. In this collaborative episode, your hosts, State’s Attorney Lara Roetzel and Public Information Officer Katy Urban are joined by Sheriff Brian Mueller and Police Chief Don Hedrick to break down the major public safety trends of 2025. From crime data and drug trends to mental health commitments and diversion success rates, this conversation unpacks what the numbers really mean and what residents should understand about safety in our community.

In the final episode, we examine the prosecution,  a process that stretched nearly a decade and tested everyone involved. From death penalty decisions and plea negotiations to delayed trials, appeals, and final sentencing, this episode lays out the legal journey that followed. We also reflect on the role of victim advocacy, the impact on Jessica’s family, and what justice, imperfect and hard-won, ultimately looked like in this case.

Part Two focuses on the homicide investigation. Detectives walk us through the frantic search, the crucial break that changed everything, and the discovery of Jessica’s body nearly one year later. You’ll hear directly from law enforcement about the evidence, the interviews, and how a complex, emotionally heavy investigation ultimately identified five individuals responsible for Jessica’s murder and burial.

In Part One, we meet Jessica Rehfeld through the eyes of those who loved her most, especially her father, Michael. We learn who Jessica was, what mattered to her, and the circumstances that led up to her disappearance in 2015. This episode honors Jessica’s life, her strength, and the warning signs she recognized as she tried to escape an abusive relationship before she suddenly went silent.

Retail theft was climbing fast in Rapid City — until law enforcement, prosecutors, and local businesses teamed up. Katy and Lara talk with RCPD’s Mark Eisenbraun and retailer Doug Smith about what changed, what’s working, and what shoppers should know this holiday season.

In this powerful episode, Katy and Lara sit down with Trooper Louis Plunkett of the South Dakota Highway Patrol and Starla Pressley who lost her brother to an impaired driver. Together, they explore why South Dakota has one of the highest DUI rates in the nation, what troopers are seeing on the roads during the holidays, and what every driver needs to know to keep their community safe. Starla’s story brings heart and urgency to a crisis that affects far too many families.

Why does school attendance matter so much - not just for grades, but for a child’s future? In our latest episode of Justice in Action, we sit down with leaders from the Rapid City Area Schools and the Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office to talk about truancy, the law, and how our community works to keep kids in school. We’ll explore how attendance connects to long-term success, the role our office plays in addressing chronic absenteeism, and the resources available to families before legal action is ever considered.

If you’re a parent, educator, or just care about the next generation, this conversation will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how we’re working to keep kids on track.

In this powerful episode of Justice in Action, we share the story of Jeanette Jumping Eagle, a young mother whose life was tragically cut short in the early hours of New Year’s Day 2021. Her mother, Patricia Pancott, joins us to recount Jeanette’s life, her light, and her legacy. What initially appeared to be suicide was soon revealed to be a staged scene, triggering a complex homicide investigation. You’ll hear from Patricia, lead detective Dan Trainer, and State’s Attorney Lara Roetzel, as well as Prosecutor Kevin Krull, as they walk us through the years-long journey to uncover the truth and secure justice.

Domestic Violence Resources:

• WAVI (Working Against Violence, Inc.) – Rapid City, SD
  WAVI provides shelter, support, and advocacy for individuals affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.
  📞 24-Hour Helpline: (605) 341-4808
  _🌐 _www.wavi.org
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• National Domestic Violence Hotline
  Confidential support is available 24/7 from trained advocates.
  📞 Call or Text: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
  _💬 Chat Online: _www.thehotline.org

Violent crime has been making headlines in our community—and with that, public concern about crime continues to grow. While it may feel like crime is increasing, the truth is that violent crime is actually down. In this episode, we’re talking not only about the trauma that follows acts of violence, but also about the proactive efforts happening behind the scenes—efforts that are truly making a difference in keeping our community safer.

In this powerful episode of Justice in Action, we hear directly from Ashtyn, the survivor at the center of State v. Rolfe. More than a decade after testifying against her abuser, she bravely shares why she is speaking out now, how the experience shaped her life, and what she wants other survivors to know.

Ashtyn’s story is one of resilience, healing, and hope. Her voice is a testament to the strength of survivors everywhere. Don’t miss this compelling and important conversation.