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Woman’s Fatal Sleep Overload Lands Her in Prison
MISSION, SOUTH DAKOTA – A local woman has been sentenced to 6 months in custody and 18 months of supervised release after being convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter.
On May 11, 2012, Kristen Bear Heels, 29, asphyxiated the victim by overlaying, leading to the tragic loss of life.
Bear Heels was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 19, 2012, and pled guilty to the charge on November 27, 2012. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie H. Ruettgers prosecuted the case, which resulted in a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund as part of Bear Heels’ sentence.
The sentence also includes 6 months of home confinement, in addition to the 18 months of supervised release and $100 special assessment.
Bear Heels is required to self-report to the custody of the U.S. Marshal on February 15, 2013, to begin serving her sentence.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of overlaying, a phenomenon that occurs when one person accidentally rolls on top of another person while sleeping, cutting off their air supply.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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