PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – Charles Russel Rhines was executed in the South Dakota State Penitentiary last Monday for the murder of Donivan Schaeffer of Rapid City in 1992.

It was the first execution for Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg since he was elected last year. He says the procedure was carried out in a professional manner.

Ravnsborg says they wanted to support the Schaffer family.

Ravnsborg says he believes the death penalty serves justice.

There were multiple rounds of appeals during the almost 30 years between the crime and execution.