Poor Bear Walks: Manderson Man Cleared in Death

RAPID CITY, SD – A brutal assault in Manderson, South Dakota, ended with a death, but not a conviction. On August 28, 2025, a federal jury in Rapid City delivered a not guilty verdict for Matocika Poor Bear, age 20, who was accused of Involuntary Manslaughter. The outcome brings an end to a case steeped in dispute and violence on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

The charges stemmed from an incident on November 16, 2024, where Matocika Poor Bear allegedly assaulted a man following an argument at a residence in Manderson. The details of the initial dispute remain largely unknown, but the encounter escalated into physical violence. The victim sustained injuries that ultimately proved fatal, launching a joint investigation by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

A federal grand jury indicted Matocika Poor Bear in January 2025, formally charging him with Involuntary Manslaughter. Prosecutors, led by United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell, presented their case, attempting to prove that Poor Bear’s actions directly led to the man’s death. However, the defense successfully argued against the charge, convincing the jury of reasonable doubt.

The courtroom was tense throughout the trial, with testimony painting a picture of a volatile situation. While the prosecution detailed the injuries suffered by the victim, the defense focused on the lack of clear intent, suggesting the death was a tragic accident occurring during a heated confrontation. The jury deliberated for [duration of deliberation – *information not provided in source, thus omitted*] before reaching their decision.

“We respect the jury’s decision,” stated a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “While we are disappointed with the outcome, we presented the evidence we believed supported the charges. The investigation, conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the FBI, was thorough and professional.” The acquittal leaves the family of the victim reeling, and questions linger about justice served in this case.

With the verdict delivered, Matocika Poor Bear is a free man. The case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of justice in tribal lands and the challenges faced by law enforcement in investigating violent crimes where details are often obscured by circumstance and conflicting accounts. The Grimy Times will continue to follow developments related to crime and justice in South Dakota and beyond.