Woman criticizes Noem for releasing her father’s killer

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) – A woman is criticizing Gov. Kristi Noem’s decision to release her father’s killer from prison. Noem announced Monday that she had commuted seven prisoners’ sentences to parole.

One of them is Connie Hirsch. Hirsch was convicted in 2012 of first-degree manslaughter in connection with the death of her husband, Jerold Hirsch. She got 35 years in prison.

Jarold Hirsch’s daughter, Sandra Lopez, says she learned of Noem’s decision on Christmas Day. She says Noem’s decision to release Connie Hirsch victimized her all over again. She says Connie Hirsch shouldn’t be allowed to walk freely among society.

Lopez says she was not notified of the release by any government or prison official.

Two of the other prisoners who saw their sentences commuted – Tammy Kvasnicka and Whitney Renae Turney – also were sentenced for first-degree manslaughter. The other four were doing time for drug offenses.

December 29, 2022