PIERRE, S.D. KELO — Arnson Absolu, a New York City man convicted for the murders of three individuals in Rapid City, will not receive a new trial following a unanimous decision by the South Dakota Supreme Court.
The court dismissed Absolu’s claims of trial flaws, specifically arguing that prosecutors failed to disclose that a key witness, Shamar Bennett, was under investigation for child abuse.
Bennett had helped dispose of the body of one of the victims, Dakota Zaiser, and was granted immunity for his testimony.
Although the Supreme Court acknowledged that the prosecution should have fully informed Absolu of Bennett’s status, it found no evidence that this omission prejudiced the trial outcome.
Justice Mark Salter noted that Bennett’s testimony remained consistent throughout the proceedings, and there was substantial evidence against Absolu, including corroborating witness statements and physical evidence linking him to the murders.
The justices concluded that the prosecution’s case was strong, with motive established through drug-related debts.