Two Wounded Knee men have been charged with First Degree Murder and other crimes in connection with a violent incident in June 2022.
Eugene Acorn High Hawk, 59, and Spencer High Hawk, 25, were indicted by a federal grand jury for First Degree Murder, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
The indictment alleges that the men beat a male to death near Wounded Knee in June 2022. Eugene Acorn High Hawk is also accused of beating a juvenile male with a baseball bat during the same incident.
The penalty upon conviction is mandatory life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count. Restitution may also be ordered.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Blair is prosecuting the case.
Eugene Acorn High Hawk and Spencer High Hawk have pleaded not guilty to the Indictment. They are currently detained pending trial, with a trial date set for September 20, 2022.
The charges are merely an accusation, and both men are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Related Federal Cases
- Marlin Iron Crow, Second Degree Murder, South Dakota 2016 · South Dakota
- Lester Waters Jr, Murder, South Dakota 2018 · South Dakota
- Jay Adams Jr, Murder, South Dakota 1992 · South Dakota
- Minor Victim Murder, South Dakota 1992 · South Dakota
- Phillip Lewis Young Hawk, Domestic Violence, South Dakota 2024 · South Dakota
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
