Marvin Samson Butterfly, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Washington 2024
Assault Charges Land Marvin Samson Butterfly Behind Bars
A 40-year-old man has been convicted of assaulting his partner with a knife and attempting to suffocate her in Washington state.
Marvin Samson Butterfly, an enrolled member of the Spokane Tribe, was found guilty of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country, Assault of an Intimate Partner and Dating Partner by Suffocating and Attempting to Suffocate in Indian Country, and Attempted Witness Tampering.
The crime occurred on September 16, 2023, in Ford, Washington, where officers with the Spokane Tribal Police Department were called to a home for a reported domestic assault.
The victim told officers that Butterfly became upset because the victim had let another woman shelter in her home due to the cold weather. Butterfly began shouting, took out a long knife and began stabbing the floors, doors, and furniture.
Butterfly then assaulted the victim by holding the knife against her throat and said, “this is how you kill someone.” Butterfly pushed the victim down on the couch, placed his hand over the victim’s mouth and attempted to suffocate her. The victim was able to pry Butterfly’s fingers off her face.
Butterfly left the home in the victim’s vehicle, but officers found him the next morning asleep in the vehicle. He was arrested and taken to the Spokane County Jail.
While in jail, Butterfly made several statements indicating he did not want the victim to testify. He encouraged his neighbor to stress to the victim that he would be coming home if she did not speak to investigators.
United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice presided over the trial, which began on April 8, 2024. Sentencing in this matter is set for July 10, 2024.
“Everyone deserves to live in a safe home free of violence. Native Americans experience some of the highest rates of violence in the country, a situation that is more tragic in light of the generations of trauma already suffered by Indigenous people, especially Native American women,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Spokane Tribal Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Ellis.
Mandatory Facts:
- Defendant: Marvin Samson Butterfly
- Criminal Charges: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country, Assault of an Intimate Partner and Dating Partner by Suffocating and Attempting to Suffocate in Indian Country, and Attempted Witness Tampering
- City and State: Spokane, Washington
- Date: September 16, 2023 (crime date)
- Sentence: Sentencing in this matter is set for July 10, 2024
Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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