Justices Affirm Conviction of Man Accused of Killing Mother

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Supreme Court has affirmed the conviction and sentence of a man accused of killing his mother and hiding her body four years ago.

The court on Monday said it found sufficient evidence to affirm the conviction against 30-year-old Matthew Tornquist.

Tornquist, of Hot Springs, was sentenced last year to life in prison with no possibility for parole after a jury found him guilty of first-degree murder. He also got 10 years on a grand theft charge.

Authorities say Tornquist killed 56-year-old Catherine Tornquist in October 2011 in Fall River County, stole money from her and hid her body.

The woman's body hasn't been found despite over 50 searches. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley on Tuesday said authorities will continue to pursue any leads in hopes of finding her body.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.