Aberdeen, SD – A Bullhead woman has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for her role in a violent brawl on the Standing Rock Reservation.
On July 2, 2024, 27-year-old Kaitlyn Shantell Left Hand was involved in a fight in Bullhead, South Dakota, that turned deadly when she drew a small knife and stabbed two women.
According to court documents, Left Hand and a bystander attempted to break up the fight, but things quickly took a turn for the worse when Left Hand panicked and stabbed the two women. One victim was stabbed in the head and abdomen, while the other suffered a stab wound to the back.
The victims were treated for their injuries and released with nothing more than stitches.
Left Hand was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2024 and pleaded guilty to Assault with a Dangerous Weapon on February 26, 2025. U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann handed down the sentence on June 23, 2025.
As part of her sentence, Left Hand was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and will serve three years of supervised release after her prison term.
The case 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.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem.
Left Hand was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Related Federal Cases
- Bullhead Woman Gets 2 Years for Stabbing Brawlers · South Dakota
- Twiss Gets Time Served for Pine Ridge Neck Stabbing · South Dakota
- Bullhead Woman Indicted in Heinous Child Abuse Case · South Dakota
- Kyle Man Accused of Wounded Knee Stabbing · Oregon
- Bullhead Man Oka Faces Years for Brutal Assault, Witness Tampering · South Dakota
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Violent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent Crime