RAPID CITY, S.D. — A Rapid City man arrested Monday is now facing murder charges in a shooting that claimed the life of a 24-year-old man.
Andrew Thorson, 29, appeared in Pennington County Court Wednesday morning and learned of the charges against him.
He, along with 25-year-old Jacob Staton, were arrested after the body of Dhani Aronson was found along Highway 16 near Rapid City. A passer-by had noticed his body and notified authorities.
Thorson is charged with second-degree murder in Aronson’s death. He is being held at the Pennington County Jail on a $1 million cash-only bond.
Prosecutors say Thorson shot Aronson in the head, killing him. Thorson faces up to life in prison if convicted.
Staton also appeared in court on a charge of accessory to a crime, which is a Class 5 Felony. Prosecutors, however, say charges may be elevated beyond just accessory.
If convicted on the accessory charge, Staton faces five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. Staton is also being held at the Pennington County Jail on a $500,000 cash-only bond.
