Death penalty decision delayed in Rapid City murder trial

March 31, 2021

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A judge in Rapid City, South Dakota has granted a 90-day extension to the defense attorney of a man accused of murdering three people last year to be notified whether prosecutors will seek the death penalty.

Thirty six year-old Arnson Absolu, a New York City man, is charged with three counts of premeditated first-degree murder for a series of alleged murders in August.

His defense attorney asked the judge for the extension so he could investigate the circumstances that may mitigate a death penalty sentence and meet with prosecutors.

Absolu has pleaded not guilty to the charges.