![](https://chadronradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Carl-Relf.jpg)
A Rapid City man convicted in March of shooting at construction workers in the Rapid City area last year has been sentenced to 45 years in prison.
45-year old Carl Relf had 10 years of the sentence suspended and was given credit for 472 days already served, but says he will appeal the sentence as too harsh. Together, the charges carried a maximum of 50 years.
A jury convicted Relf on 7 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for shooting at workers in the area of Hwy 79 and Spring Creek Road in June 2022.
Relf had argued he fired at the workers because he thought a girl was being trafficked there, and because he was drunk and on drugs at the time. None of his shots hit anyone.
At sentencing, Relf’s attorney said he believed Relf could be rehabilitated and returned to society and his family while under close supervision.
Prosecutors called Relf a dangerous person and that the state and community were better off without him. Victim statements supported a long sentence, with one asking for the maximum and another saying anything under 50 years would be “a disappointment.”
Judge Jane Wipf Pfeifle called it “an extraordinarily dangerous case,” and said that while Relf didn’t hit anyone, the “mental toll from this random act of violence had taken on the victims” was unimaginable.
Judge Wipf Pfeifle pointed to Relf’s extensive criminal record and asked rhetorically that he truly believed someone was being trafficked, why didn’t he go to the police?”
This happens when right-wing Christian propaganda indoctrinates people using trafficking as the entry point. Extremists become delusional and put people in danger.
It may have less to do with his political affiliation and more to do with the admitted use of drugs and alcohol. But feel free to utilize a situation you most likely have no knowledge of to spread further hate. While your first amendment right does provide you the opportunity to spout out whatever garbage you want, it doesn’t make it fact… but, it is your right to say whatever rubbish you want. Good for you for exercising your rights… I just don’t agree with what you said being the reasoning behind the actions.
Me. Jingeheimerschmidt has said it best. “Right Wing” is not the problem.
Carl all my life and his brother and they’re both solid individuals I know Carl has his issues with drugs and alcohol but he’s a solid individual
It was just drugs. Not right wing it left wing. Nor Christian. Just delusional thoughts while on stupid chemicals