NOVEMBER 2023:
A federal judge has determined the punishment for a 32 year old Lower Brule, South Dakota, man convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Pierre.
Joseph Thompson, Sr., was sentenced to 10 years and eight months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Thompson was also ordered to pay $3,550 in restitution to the victim’s family.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on March 25, 2023, in Lower Brule. Thompson was at the home of an acquaintance when he heard a disturbance outside the residence. Thompson left the residence, walked around the corner of the home, and saw a man standing near the home. Thompson produced a knife and stabbed the man five times, piercing his heart. There was no indication that the other man was displaying a weapon when Thompson fatally stabbed him.
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 Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services – Crow Creek Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
JULY 2023:
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Joseph Thompson, Sr., age 32, of Lower Brule, of Voluntary Manslaughter following a three day jury trial in federal district court in Pierre. The verdict was returned Thursday (July 20, 2023).
The charges carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on March 25, 2023, in Lower Brule. Thompson was at the home of an acquaintance when he heard a disturbance outside the residence. Thompson left the residence, walked around the corner of the home and saw a man standing near the home. Thompson produced a knife and stabbed the man five times, piercing his heart. There was no indication that the other man was displaying a weapon when Thompson fatally stabbed him.
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 Bureeau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Service – Crow Creek Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
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