Pine Ridge Woman Accused of Hiding Murder

PINE RIDGE, SD – A 26-year-old Pine Ridge woman stands accused of obstructing justice in the brutal murder of Annie Colhoff, after allegedly assisting the killer in fleeing the scene and deliberately withholding information from law enforcement. Tyler Schae Brewer a/k/a Ty Schae Brewer, was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 4, 2016, on a charge of Misprision of a Felony.

According to federal prosecutors, Brewer knowingly concealed crucial details surrounding Colhoff’s murder on September 29, 2016. Instead of contacting authorities, she allegedly aided the assailant in escaping, actively hindering the investigation. U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced the indictment, signaling a serious attempt to hold those who shield criminals accountable.

Brewer appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollman and entered a plea of not guilty. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of up to 3 years in federal custody, along with a potential fine of $250,000. Additionally, she could be subjected to 1 year of supervised release and ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution to any victims could also be ordered by the court.

This investigation represents a massive, multi-agency effort. The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the charge, with significant support from the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Even agencies from neighboring states joined the hunt, including the Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force (District of Colorado), Aurora Police Department, and Lakewood Police Department. Pennington County Sheriff’s office and the Rapid City Police Department also contributed to the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn N. Rich and Sarah B. Collins are prosecuting the case, suggesting the government intends to pursue the charges aggressively. Brewer has been released on bond while awaiting trial, which is currently scheduled to begin on January 3, 2017. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds.

It’s crucial to remember that this indictment is merely an accusation, and Tyler Schae Brewer is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. However, the charges suggest a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice in a violent crime, raising serious questions about her involvement and motivations. The investigation remains ongoing, and further details may emerge as the trial approaches.