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Church Burning Suspects Sentenced
Cheyenne River Indian Reservation, South Dakota – In a shocking turn of events, three Eagle Butte men have been sentenced for their roles in burning down a 98-year-old church on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. The devastating crime occurred on July 19, 2015, leaving the community in shock.
Cody Yellow, 27, Ake Kyle Eagle Hunter, 29, and Robert Grindstone, 28, were sentenced on April 18, 2016 by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange. Yellow received 41 months in custody, while Eagle Hunter was sentenced to 35 months, and Grindstone was given 37 months. All three men were also ordered to serve 2 years of supervised release, pay $3,776.92 in restitution to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The arson occurred at St. Basil’s Church, a/k/a Mossman Church, which was built in 1917. Locals had maintained the church for years, holding Mass every Memorial Day weekend and occasionally weddings and funerals.
According to court documents, Yellow, Eagle Hunter, and Grindstone drove to the church to visit a friend’s grave. After vandalizing the church, Grindstone found a can with liquid inside, which he intentionally dropped, allowing the contents to spill out. One of the men then lit the liquid accelerant on fire, resulting in the church burning to the ground.
The case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
The defendants were immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. This case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of arson and the importance of community vigilance in preventing such crimes.
The Cheyenne River Indian Reservation is still reeling from the loss of the historic church, but justice has been served. The community can now begin to heal and rebuild, knowing that those responsible for the crime have been held accountable.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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