RAPID CITY, S.D. — Ezekiel Mayweather, 24, who was found guilty in October for the murder of Esther Wolfe, was sentenced Wednesday in Seventh Circuit Court to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He was convicted of aiding and abetting and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.
Mayweather, considered by the state as the “mastermind” of the crime, allegedly enlisted Arkadius Wright to shoot Wolfe at a gas station in North Rapid City in February 2024. Mayweather reportedly believed Wolfe was responsible for his brother’s death by suicide in 2019.
During sentencing, several of Wolfe’s relatives spoke about the grief caused by her death and her character.
Arkadius Wright, 23, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in exchange for testifying against Mayweather, was sentenced to 35 years in prison with 10 years suspended. If Wright maintains good behavior, he could serve 25 years in prison followed by 10 years on parole. The judge noted that the sentence aligns with Wright’s plea agreement and acknowledges his cooperation while balancing the severity of the crime.
Relatives of Wolfe and Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox emphasized Wolfe’s good character and the lasting impact of her death, while Wright’s attorney highlighted his difficult upbringing and manipulation by Mayweather.
