A Rapid City man has been sentenced to over 37 years in federal prison for his role in a murder that took place in November of last year. Jerel Running Bear, 34, was convicted of Second-Degree Murder and Discharge of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence.
The sentencing took place on August 1, 2024, before Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange in the U.S. District Court. Running Bear was sentenced to 27 years and 3 months in federal prison consecutive to 10 years in federal prison for Discharging a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence. He was also ordered to complete 5 years of supervised release on each charge with the time to be run concurrently.
On a separate charge, Running Bear was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each charge.
Rapid City police were called to the scene after a 21-year-old woman reported that she had been shot by Running Bear. The victim had been taken to a vehicle by Running Bear and another individual, and was later left on the side of the road. The other individual took off running and alerted law enforcement, who were able to apprehend Running Bear and the other individual, who were later identified as Serena Fast Horse.
Fast Horse, 39, of Oglala, South Dakota, was sentenced to 1 year and 1 day in federal prison on August 9, 2024, for her role in failing to report the murder to law enforcement. She was also ordered to complete 1 year of supervised release and pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Rapid City police were called to the scene after a 21-year-old woman reported that she had been shot by Running Bear. The victim had been taken to a vehicle by Running Bear and another individual, and was later left on the side of the road. The other individual took off running and alerted law enforcement, who were able to apprehend Running Bear and the other individual, who were later identified as Serena Fast Horse.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Running Bear was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, while Fast Horse was ordered to self-surrender on August 30, 2024.
The case is a reminder of the importance of reporting crimes to law enforcement. If you or someone you know has information about a crime, do not hesitate to contact the authorities.
Defendant: Jerel Running Bear
Criminal charges: Second-Degree Murder, Discharge of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence
City and state: Rapid City, South Dakota
Date: August 1, 2024 (sentencing), November 8, 2023 (crime date)
Sentence: 27 years and 3 months in federal prison, 10 years in federal prison, 5 years of supervised release
Dollar amounts: $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund
Related Federal Cases
- Franky Torres, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, South Dakota 2021 · South Dakota
- Marlin Iron Crow, Second Degree Murder, South Dakota 2016 · South Dakota
- Lawrence Gary, Jr., Assault With Intent to Commit Murder, South Dakota 2018 · South Dakota
- Clarence Yellow Hawk, First Degree Murder, South Dakota 2017 · South Dakota
- John Matthew Pilcher, Assault with Intent to Commit Murder, South Dakota 2018 · South Dakota
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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