A Rapid City man has been sentenced to 40 years in the South Dakota State Penitentiary for a fatal stabbing that occurred in downtown Rapid City earlier this year.
Seventh Circuit Court Judge Matthew Brown imposed the sentence on 23-year-old Diontae Eagleman for the death of 45-year-old Francis Tobacco. Judge Brown described the killing as both “senseless” and “grievous.” The incident took place during the early evening hours of April 1, 2025, along Sixth Street.
During the sentencing hearing, several of Tobacco’s family members delivered victim impact statements, describing him as a protector and emphasizing the deep loss his death has caused. They told the court he “didn’t deserve what happened.”
Eagleman previously pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter. As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors capped their sentencing recommendation at 40 years.
Assistant Chief Deputy State’s Attorney Olivia Siglin said the recommendation accounted for both the severity of the crime and Eagleman’s acceptance of responsibility, including his guilty plea and expressions of remorse.
Eagleman is required to serve the full 40-year sentence.
“Throughout this case, we have never lost sight of the fact that a family lost a loved one,” Siglin said. “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of this crime and ensures that Mr. Eagleman is held accountable for taking a life.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Chief Deputy State’s Attorney Olivia Siglin and Deputy State’s Attorney Rebecca Peterson.
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