Wind River Murder: Acebo Gets Life for Slaying Riverton Resident

A 34-year-old Arapaho man has been sentenced to life in prison for murder on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Francis James Acebo Jr. was handed the sentence on May 16 by U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson.

Acebo was convicted of first-degree murder and causing death with a firearm, as well as discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The charges stem from a March 2023 shooting in Riverton, where Acebo entered the victim’s residence, shot them in the back of the head, and fled the scene before turning himself in to the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office.

The FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs led the investigation, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kerry J. Jacobson and Timothy J. Forwood. U.S. Attorney Nicholas Vassallo praised the successful prosecution, stating, ‘The successful prosecution of homicides and other violent crimes on the Wind River Indian Reservation is one of our highest priorities.’

Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek added, ‘FBI Denver takes seriously all major crimes on the Wind River Indian Reservation, with murders like this one getting our full attention.’

The case, which was assigned case number 23-CR-00081, marked a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victim and their loved ones. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the federal government’s commitment to addressing violent crimes on Native American reservations.

As Acebo begins serving his life sentence, the community on the Wind River Indian Reservation can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that those responsible for such heinous crimes will be held accountable. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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