RAPID CITY, S.D. – A Rapid City man pleads guilty.
Brent Kertzman, 65, pleaded guilty Monday morning to the premeditated murder of 54-year-old Julie Fisk, avoiding a potential death sentence in exchange for a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Kertzman admitted to killing Fisk on February 20, 2024, after she had ended their relationship and moved to a new residence. As part of the plea agreement, the Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office agreed to forego seeking the death penalty, following consultations with Fisk’s family.
State’s Attorney Lara Roetzel explained that the family’s desire for closure and to avoid the trauma of a lengthy trial and potential appeals was a key factor in the decision.
“This plea agreement spares the victim’s family the emotional toll of a trial and potential appeals and allows them to begin the process of healing,” Roetzel said. “While we were fully prepared to seek the death penalty, honoring the family’s desire for resolution was paramount.”
Kertzman confessed to bludgeoning Fisk while she slept and then setting her home on fire. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss a first-degree arson charge as part of the plea deal.
Kertzman will be officially sentenced on November 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
