A Lower Brule woman has been sentenced to federal prison for her role in a deadly assault that resulted in the victim’s death. Esther Flute, 61, was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter in a U.S. District Court.
The incident occurred on August 2, 2021, in Lower Brule, South Dakota. Flute used two weapons to cause multiple wounds to the victim, leading to their death.
Flute was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 14, 2021. She later plead guilty to the charges on March 7, 2022, in U.S. District Court.
Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange sentenced Flute to five years and 11 months in federal prison on June 13, 2022. In addition to the prison time, Flute was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
The investigation into the incident was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Flute was immediately taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service following the sentencing.
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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