S.D. man sentenced to life for assaulting wife and killing her grandmother

WESSINGTON SPRINGS, S.D. (TCD) -- A 39-year-old man was recently sentenced to life in prison in connection with the slaying of his wife’s grandmother.

According to a news release from the Office of the South Dakota Attorney General, Mitch LeRoy Caffee shot and killed 90-year-old Lorraine Redman after assaulting Kathren Caffee on Oct. 24, 2021.

Mitch Caffee broke into Redman’s home to confront his wife regarding his arrest after he violated a no-contact order, The Associated Press reports. Caffee reportedly pushed his wife onto a couch, and when Redman came to check up on her granddaughter, Caffee fatally shot her.

According to The Associated Press, Caffee held his wife hostage for hours and then surrendered to authorities.

The Attorney General’s Office said Caffee pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree manslaughter and one count of aggravated assault. On Aug. 17, the Attorney General announced Caffee was sentenced to life in state penitentiary on the first-degree manslaughter conviction and 15 years for the aggravated assault conviction.

Jerauld County States Attorney Dedrich Koch said in a statement, "Mitch Caffee’s actions resulted in the tragic death of a well-respected member of the community. Lorraine Redman will be missed by not only her family, but to all who knew her. The hope is this sentence will bring some closure to the family in this very difficult case."

Attorney General Mark Vargo added, "I’m extremely proud of the teamwork involved from beginning to end in both the investigation and prosecution of this horrific crime. My hat’s off to all involved."

MORE:

• Jerauld County Man Sentenced in First Degree Manslaughter Case - Office of the South Dakota Attorney General
• Man sentenced to life for killing his wife’s grandmother - AP