Justice In Action

Episode 21 - Jumping Eagle Podcast

In this episode of Justice in Action, we take an in-depth look at State v. James Jumping Eagle, a case that left a lasting impact on the Rapid City community and, most importantly, on the family and loved ones of 82-year-old Reta McGovern. On February 21, 2021, Reta was murdered in her home, setting off an investigation that would ultimately lead to a life sentence plus 50 years. In this episode, we walk through the case from start to finish, examining the investigative work, the evidence, and the prosecution’s approach to seeking justice. This is more than a case summary. It is a look at how the justice system responds in the face of violence, the collaboration required across agencies, and the responsibility to pursue accountability on behalf of victims.

Episode 20 - Annual Report

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.

Episode 19 - Jessica Rehfeld: A Decade to Justice – Part 3

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.

Episode 18 - Jessica Rehfeld: A Decade to Justice – Part 2

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.

Episode 17 - Jessica Rehfeld: A Decade to Justice – Part 1

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.