A federal grand jury has determined there is enough evidence to charge two men from Wounded Knee with First Degree Murder, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
Eugene Acorn High Hawk, age 59, and Spencer High Hawk, age 25, have pleaded not guilty.
The penalty upon conviction is mandatory life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Eugene Acorn High Hawk and Spencer High Hawk beating a male to death near Wounded Knee in June 2022. Eugene Acorn High Hawk is also accused of beating a juvenile male with a baseball bat during the same incident.
The investigation is being conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division.
Eugene Acorn High Hawk and Spencer High Hawk were detained pending trial. A trial date has been set for September 20, 2022.
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