A Pennington County jury has found 23-year-old Luke Birch guilty of second-degree murder in the death of McGarland Walker VI, a man Birch had previously described as his best friend. On Tuesday, Seventh Circuit Judge Jeffrey Connolly sentenced Birch to life in prison, the mandatory penalty for the Class B felony in South Dakota.
The conviction stems from a March 8, 2024, shooting inside a west Rapid City apartment building, where evidence showed Walker was shot six times following an argument between the two men, much of it conducted over the phone. Prosecutors said Birch fled the scene afterward and attempted to conceal his involvement.
During sentencing, members of Walker’s family spoke about their loss, describing him as a devoted husband, father, and son whose life had profound meaning to those close to him.
“This was a senseless and tragic act of violence,” said Chief Deputy State’s Attorney Adam Shiffermiller. “While no sentence can restore what was taken, we hope today’s outcome provides some measure of accountability and closure.”
The case was prosecuted by Shiffermiller and Assistant Chief Deputy State’s Attorney Olivia Siglin.
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