DECEMBER 2023:
U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Wounded Knee, South Dakota, man convicted of Aiding and Abetting Second Degree Murder.
Spencer High Hawk, 27, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stems from High Hawk beating another man to death near Wounded Knee in June of 2022.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.
SEPTEMBER 2023:
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Spencer High Hawk, age 27, of Wounded Knee, South Dakota, of Aiding and Abetting Second Degree Murder, following a four-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Evidence at trial established that High Hawk beat another man to death near Wounded Knee, South Dakota, in June of 2022.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Lindrooth and Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has been set for December 1, 2023. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
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