The South Dakota Supreme Court has upheld the dismissal of a habeas corpus petition filed by a Rapid City man serving multiple life sentences.
Theodore Guzman is currently serving three consecutive life terms along with an additional 15-year sentence, following convictions involving crimes against minors.
In its ruling, the state’s highest court agreed with a lower court decision to dismiss Guzman’s petition, which challenged the legality of his conviction and claimed ineffective legal representation and innocence.
Justices determined there was no evidence to support claims that his trial attorney failed in a way that would have affected the outcome of the case. The court also rejected arguments that Guzman’s right to a speedy trial had been violated, finding that most delays were tied to the defense and did not result in demonstrated harm.
Other claims raised in the petition were not considered after the court found they were not properly presented during the appeals process.
The ruling emphasizes that habeas petitions must be backed by clear and supported claims to move forward.
