Tristan Lee, Domestic Assault, SD 2018

MISSION, SD – Tristan Lee Kills The Enemy, 21, of Mission, South Dakota, is behind bars after receiving a six-month federal sentence for a brutal act of domestic assault. The sentencing, handed down on February 7, 2018, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno, closes a case that exposed violence within the Rosebud Sioux Tribe community.

The incident, which triggered the federal investigation, occurred on October 28, 2017. Kills The Enemy assaulted his spouse and intimate partner, details of which remain largely sealed, but clearly met the threshold for federal intervention. A federal grand jury indicted him on November 14, 2017, and he subsequently entered a guilty plea on the day of his sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons didn’t mince words, emphasizing the seriousness of domestic violence and the commitment of his office to prosecute such cases to the fullest extent of the law. Beyond the six months in custody, Kills The Enemy was also ordered to pay a $10 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund – a paltry sum considering the damage inflicted, but a legal requirement nonetheless.

The Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services spearheaded the investigation, gathering evidence and building the case that ultimately led to Kills The Enemy’s conviction. Their work demonstrates a proactive approach to tackling violence within their jurisdiction, working in tandem with federal authorities to ensure accountability.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel C. Nelson skillfully prosecuted the case, presenting the evidence and securing the sentence. Following the sentencing, Kills The Enemy was immediately taken into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, effectively removing a violent offender from the streets of Mission. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on further developments.

While six months is a start, many question if it is a sufficient punishment for domestic violence. The victim’s condition and any ongoing support services remain unknown, highlighting the often-hidden consequences of these crimes. This case serves as a grim reminder of the pervasive issue of domestic violence, even in remote corners of the country.