In Rapid City, South Dakota, a 29-year-old Hispanic and Latino man named Monte Gakin was tragically killed on the evening of August 27, 2025. Remembered by loved ones for his selfless nature and a heart of gold, he was a father of two who could light up any room with his charming personality and witty jokes. Friends and family recalled his beautiful honey-golden eyes and how he was a true protector, the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back.
His life, filled with a love for adventure and challenges, was cut short in a violent encounter.
On that Wednesday night, at approximately 7:15 p.m., police were dispatched to an apartment complex in the 200 block of E. Watertown Street after reports of gunshots were made. Upon their arrival, they discovered Monte inside one of the apartments, suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite emergency first aid rendered by the officers at the scene, he was ultimately declared deceased. Investigators with the Rapid City Police Department, assisted by the Pennington County Sheriff's Office and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, immediately began working to piece together the circumstances surrounding his death.
The investigation into the homicide quickly indicated that the shooting was not a random act. Detectives worked through the night and into the following days, interviewing multiple individuals and collecting physical evidence from the scene for forensic analysis. As they followed up on leads, law enforcement identified several people believed to have been present during the timeframe of the shooting. A public appeal was made for any information that could be relevant to the case.
A week after the fatal shooting, authorities announced they were seeking two individuals who they believed had pertinent information regarding the case. Law enforcement identified 23-year-old Max Martinez and 24-year-old Brittany Dillon, both of Rapid City, as persons of interest who were being sought for questioning. Officials have urged anyone with information about their whereabouts to come forward as the investigation into who killed Monte Gakin continues. No arrests have been announced in connection with the homicide.
