A 33-year-old McLaughlin man has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of 8 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
Jody Charles Red Bird, 33, of McLaughlin, appeared before U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann on January 2, 2013, and entered a guilty plea to the indictment that charged him with the crime.
The incident that led to Red Bird’s guilty plea occurred on June 12, 2012, when he and others were drinking alcohol in Timber Lake, waiting for work to be done on a vehicle. After completing the maintenance, they traveled to Little Eagle and eventually decided to drive to McLaughlin.
Red Bird was driving the vehicle when he lost control and slid into the ditch abutting the opposing lane of traffic. The vehicle rolled several times, and both Red Bird and the victim were ejected. The victim died as a result of the injuries sustained in the accident. At the time of the accident, Red Bird had a blood alcohol concentration over three times the legal limit.
The investigation into the incident was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Morley.
A presentence investigation has been ordered, and a sentencing date has been set for April 15, 2013. Red Bird was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.
Red Bird’s guilty plea is a serious development in this case, and it is clear that he will face the consequences of his actions. The family of the victim deserves justice, and we hope that this guilty plea brings them some measure of closure.
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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