The distinction between an accessory before the fact and a principal, and between principals in the first and second degree, in cases of felony, is abrogated. Any person connected with the commission of a felony, whether that person directly commits the act constituting the offense or aids and abets in its commission, though not present, shall be prosecuted, tried, and punished as a principal.

Source: SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, § 34.0504; SDCL, § 23-10-3; SL 1978, ch 185 , § 2; SL 2005, ch 120 , § 373.