McLaughlin Man Gets 27 Months for Brutal Assault

McLaughlin, SD – Kyle White Bull, 30, will spend the next 27 months behind bars after being sentenced for a vicious assault on his wife. U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann delivered the sentence on May 31, 2017, following a conviction of Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender. The case, prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley, highlights the continued pattern of violence plaguing families in the region.

The December 21, 2016, incident unfolded at the couple’s home in McLaughlin. According to court documents, the argument began with White Bull aggressively questioning and verbally abusing his wife, falsely accusing her of infidelity. The situation quickly escalated when White Bull threatened to kill her if she attempted to leave. This wasn’t a simple disagreement; it was a clear expression of control and a terrifying threat of lethal violence.

The argument turned physical, with both individuals shoving each other. The victim ended up on the floor, where White Bull allegedly grabbed her by the neck, pinning her down while she struggled to escape. He repeatedly pushed her back down whenever she tried to rise, causing her head to slam repeatedly against the floor. The details paint a disturbing picture of sustained, brutal force.

The victim managed to flee the residence and immediately contacted the Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement. Investigators documented a litany of injuries: a significant lump on her forehead, a scratch on her toe, a bruised ankle, and extensive bruising on both knees. These injuries aren’t the result of a mere scuffle – they’re evidence of a sustained and violent attack.

This conviction isn’t an isolated incident. White Bull had already accrued at least two prior final convictions in Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Court for offenses that, if under federal jurisdiction, would be considered crimes against a spouse or intimate partner. His history of violence clearly demonstrates a pattern of abusive behavior, making this sentencing a necessary step in protecting potential future victims.

Following the sentencing, White Bull was immediately taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service. In addition to the 27-month prison term, White Bull will also serve 3 years of supervised release and is required to pay a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency, conducted the investigation. This case serves as a grim reminder of the prevalence of domestic violence and the importance of holding offenders accountable.