South Dakota triple homicide suspect in custody, more details awaited

SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO) – A 30-year-old Sioux Falls man is in the Minnehaha County Jail facing three counts of first-degree murder in Lincoln County in an early Saturday shooting in south- west Sioux Falls.

According to Sioux Falls Police Lt. Aaron Nyberg, the shooting suspect, Justin Cody Rackley, was arrested Saturday after officers found three people dead from gunshot wounds. The shooting happened at a home near the intersection of South Drexel Drive and 58th Street. Bond for Rackley was set at $3 million.

“It was very chaotic for the officers,” Nyberg said. “I was there until Saturday night processing the scene.”

Nyberg said police found a gun at the scene and police are still determining how many shots were fired. In addition, two people were injured in addition to the three who died from gunshot wounds.

Police announced the three victims: Daniel Carl Kemnitz, 43, Kellie Elizabeth Reaves, 43, and Michael Andrew Thompson, 34.

Police said people had been drinking at a “campfire” gathering, but they don’t believe drugs were involved.

The last time there were three or more victims in a homicide in Sioux Falls was in 1973, police said.

Police are continuing to question people who may have participated in the gathering and to collect evidence from the scene. Nyberg said there is still a lot of work to do in the investigation.

Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum said the SFPD’s professionalism was on display during the investigation.

“Our condolences go out to the families who lost their loved ones,” Thum said. “Excellent work by our team responding to a chaotic situation.”

KELOLAND News is collecting court documents and more information about the murder. Stay with KELOLAND News online and broadcast for more updates.

On Saturday, people who live nearby told KELOLAND News they were alarmed when they woke up to find a heavy police presence in their neighborhood.

“And they had the street blocked at 57th and Drexel and then 58th Street. And I was just curious, I’m recording everywhere and (I have) no idea what’s going on,” said Tamara Schroeder, who lives in the area.

“I mean there were break-ins. My truck was stolen from my driveway a few years ago, but, I mean, not like three murders,” said Joe Linneweber, who also lives in the area.