Dennis Red Boy, Involuntary Manslaughter, Montana 2017

A Poplar man has been sentenced to prison for the death of his six-month-old daughter. Dennis Red Boy, 28, pleaded guilty in February to involuntary manslaughter in the Aug. 15, 2017 death of a six-month-old baby girl in Poplar on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.

The prosecution said in court records that Red Boy was taking care of children when the infant would not stop crying. He placed the baby on her back, then flipped her over by her foot. He then placed a heavy blanket over her. When he returned about an hour later, the infant was dead. Red Boy initially told law enforcement that the baby had choked on a bottle then admitted that story was incorrect.

U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said that Red Boy was sentenced on Wednesday to five and one-half years in prison and to two years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Judge Morris also ordered $3,500 restitution.

The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Weldon.

Red Boy was taking care of the infant when the incident occurred. He initially lied about the circumstances surrounding the baby's death, but later admitted to the truth.

Red Boy's case serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of children. The outcome of this case should serve as a warning to those who would put children in harm's way.

The incident is a stark reminder of the harsh realities of life on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. The community is still reeling from the loss of this young child and the perpetrator's actions will have long-lasting consequences.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mt/pr/poplar-man-sentenced-death-infant