⏱ 2 min read
Cody Ben Zephier, 21, of Kenel, South Dakota, was found guilty of brutally assaulting his live-in girlfriend in their home on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. The attack occurred on June 27, 2025, after a quarrel between the couple escalated into violence. Zephier’s girlfriend slapped him, and he responded by throwing her to the floor, punching her, kicking her, and choking her until she couldn’t breathe. The victim suffered two broken wrists and extensive bruising to her face and neck.
Zephier’s conviction was the result of a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He was found guilty of Assault of a Dating Partner by Strangulation, Assault of a Dating Partner Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury, and Assault by Striking, Beating and Wounding. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Zephier’s actions were so violent that he even called 911, admitting that he couldn’t stop himself from assaulting his girlfriend. The jury’s verdict was returned on July 29, 2026, and Zephier now faces up to 16 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and $600,000 in fines. A presentence investigation was ordered, and sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
The case highlights the importance of addressing domestic violence in Indian country, where certain violent crimes must be prosecuted in federal court. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Bureau of Indian Affairs worked together to bring Zephier to justice and hold him accountable for his horrific actions.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: South Dakota
- Location: SD
- Source: DOJ Press Release
