Deland Cornpeach, Voluntary Manslaughter and Assault on a Federal Officer, Utah 2021

A horrific act of violence unfolded on the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation on June 20, 2017, when Deland Cornpeach, a 20-year-old member of the Shoshone-Bannock Indian Tribe, stabbed to death his victim, E.P., an enrolled member of the Ute Indian Tribe.

As the investigation revealed, the gruesome incident led to the devastating loss of life and left the community in shock. Deland Cornpeach’s actions on that fateful day would have far-reaching consequences, including his eventual arrest and prosecution.

On February 1, 2021, in a federal court in Utah, Deland Cornpeach pleaded guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter and one count of assault on a federal officer. This plea agreement marked a significant turning point in the case, as Cornpeach agreed to serve 84 months in federal prison.

The assault on a federal officer charge stemmed from an incident at the Davis County Jail, where Cornpeach was detained on the federal manslaughter case. While at the jail, Cornpeach assaulted and inflicted injury upon two Davis County Sheriff’s Deputies who were engaged in the performance of their official duties on behalf of the federal government.

The prosecution of the case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Utah U.S. Attorney’s Office. Special Agents of the FBI conducted the investigation, with assistance from officers of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Deland Cornpeach’s guilty plea and subsequent sentence serve as a reminder of the severity of the crimes committed and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. The case highlights the complexities of crimes committed on Native American reservations and the need for effective law enforcement and justice systems to address these issues.

In the end, justice has been served, and Deland Cornpeach will face the consequences of his actions. As the community begins to heal, it is a somber reminder of the devastating impact of violence and the importance of promoting peace and understanding.

Mandatory Facts:
Defendant/Respondent: Deland Cornpeach
Criminal Charges: Voluntary Manslaughter and Assault on a Federal Officer
City and State: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah
Exact Date: June 20, 2017 (crime date), February 1, 2021 (sentencing)
Sentence: 84 months in federal prison

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