Reno Rondeau, 51, a Manderson, South Dakota man, is behind bars after being indicted for First Degree Murder, Attempted Murder, and Arson.
According to federal authorities, the charges stem from an October 2024 fire that destroyed the residence of Rondeau’s brother near Manderson.
The fire, which was intentionally set by Rondeau, resulted in the deaths of two people.
Rondeau’s brother suffered burn injuries but managed to escape the flames.
The indictment, which was handed down in December 2024, alleges that Rondeau knew the home was occupied by his brother and his friend when he set the fire.
Rondeau appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on January 3, 2025, and pleaded not guilty to the indictment.
He was subsequently remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.
The mandatory penalty for First Degree Murder is life in custody, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 payment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Restitution may also be ordered.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the FBI, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox leading the prosecution.
Rondeau, 51, is accused of First Degree Murder, Attempted Murder, and Arson.
The charges are merely accusations, and Rondeau is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Related Federal Cases
- Franky Torres, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, South Dakota 2021 · South Dakota
- Marlin Iron Crow, Second Degree Murder, South Dakota 2016 · South Dakota
- Lawrence Gary, Jr., Assault With Intent to Commit Murder, South Dakota 2018 · South Dakota
- Clarence Yellow Hawk, First Degree Murder, South Dakota 2017 · South Dakota
- John Matthew Pilcher, Assault with Intent to Commit Murder, South Dakota 2018 · South Dakota
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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