Defense And Prosecution Rest In Dylan Farmer Murder Trial

Closing statements scheduled for Thursday as jury deliberates

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Both the defense and prosecution have rested their cases in the murder trial of Dylan Farmer, who is charged with first- and second-degree murder in the 2024 death of Casey Shaffer. The defense argued the prosecution lacked sufficient evidence, while the prosecution believes they established a motive and received six confessions from Farmer proving his guilt. Closing statements are scheduled for Thursday before the jury makes its decision.

Why it matters

This high-profile murder trial has captured the attention of the Sioux Falls community, with the outcome potentially having significant implications for the defendant and the victim's family. The case also raises broader questions about the strength of circumstantial evidence and the reliability of confessions in criminal prosecutions.

The details

The defense argued that the prosecution could never find a murder weapon, while the prosecution believes they established a clear motive and received six different confessions from Farmer that prove his guilt in the death of Casey Shaffer in 2024.

  • The murder of Casey Shaffer occurred in 2024.
  • The defense and prosecution have both rested their cases in the trial.
  • Closing statements are scheduled for Thursday.

The players

Dylan Farmer

The defendant, charged with first- and second-degree murder in the 2024 death of Casey Shaffer.

Casey Shaffer

The victim, whose death in 2024 led to the murder charges against Dylan Farmer.

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What they’re saying

“The prosecution did not have enough evidence, and they could never find a murder weapon.”

— Defense Attorney

“We believe we have established a clear motive and received six different confessions from the defendant that prove his guilt.”

— Prosecutor

What’s next

Closing statements are scheduled for Thursday before the jury makes its decision.

The takeaway

This high-profile murder trial highlights the complexities of criminal prosecutions, where the strength of circumstantial evidence and the reliability of confessions can be crucial factors in determining the outcome.