Nathaniel Red Bird, Involuntary Manslaughter, South Dakota 2024

A tragic case of Involuntary Manslaughter has led to a 33-year-old man from Parmelee, South Dakota, being sentenced to time behind bars. Nathaniel Red Bird, a 33-year-old man from Parmelee, South Dakota, was sentenced to 15 months of custody and 18 months of supervised release, along with a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, for his role in the death of a 7-month-old child.

According to the investigation, on the early morning hours of August 14, 2011, Red Bird and a co-defendant were highly intoxicated and went to sleep in the same bed with the victim. The next morning, Red Bird awoke and realized that the child was not breathing. A medical opinion indicated that the child died of asphyxia due to parental overlaying while co-sleeping with the intoxicated parents.

Red Bird was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 16, 2013, and pled guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter and Aiding and Abetting on June 4, 2013. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie H. Ruettgers.

The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on August 26, 2013. Red Bird was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving his sentence. This tragic case serves as a reminder of the dangers of co-sleeping with a child, especially when under the influence of intoxicating substances.

The case has left many in the community shaken, and it is a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of our children. The sentence handed down by Judge Lange is a step towards justice for the victim and their family.

As the community comes to terms with this devastating loss, it is essential to remember the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of our children. This case serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of reckless behavior and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Red Bird’s 15-month sentence and 18 months of supervised release are a serious reminder of the consequences of reckless behavior. The $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund is also a testament to the gravity of the situation.

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