Tahsheena Stacy Sam, 35, of White Swan, Washington, pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder in Indian Country for the murder of Destiny Lloyd, an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation.
Sam, who was not known to the victim, joined a group of friends Destiny Lloyd was socializing with on December 25, 2017. The group later drove to an area near Harrah Road and Marion Drain Road on the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation, where they forcibly took money from Lloyd and left her on the side of the road.
After the assault, the group became concerned that Lloyd might report the incident, so they drove back and used a flashlight to follow her tracks in the snow. Sam found Lloyd and obtained a large wrench from another member of the group, using it to strike Lloyd several times on the head. Sam and the others left Lloyd’s body where it was discovered by a passing motorist a few days later.
U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref stated, “My heart breaks for the victim and her family. Ms. Lloyd’s loss leaves a hole that cannot ever be filled.”
“This case involved a lengthy investigation and witnesses that were not always forthcoming with law enforcement,” Waldref continued. “Yet, the FBI and Yakama Nation Tribal Police remained undeterred and continued investigating this case, following available leads which ultimately led to Ms. Sam.”
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kelly M. Smith said, “It is hard to comprehend the wanton violence of this case. I am grateful that Ms. Sam has now taken responsibility for her role in Ms. Lloyd’s tragic death. Now the process of healing can begin for the loved ones of the victim.”
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Yakama Nation Tribal Police, and has been prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Todd Swensen, Timothy J. Ohms, and Ian Garriques. A co-defendant in the case remains pending charges, which are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
A sentencing hearing for Sam has been scheduled for September 17, 2024. The court has accepted Sam’s guilty plea and Second Degree Murder conviction in Indian Country.
Related Federal Cases
- Capitol Rioter Gets 18 Months: ‘Bum Rush the White House’ · Washington
- D.C. Killer Gets Life for Child’s Murder · Washington
- D.C. Man Sentenced to 17 Years for Partner’s Murder · Washington
- Swinomish Man Gets 20 Years for Pillow Murder · Washington
- Jennings Pleads Guilty to Murder · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
