A federal grand jury has indicted Reno Rondeau, a 51-year-old man from Manderson, South Dakota, on charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and arson. The indictment was announced by United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell.
Rondeau was indicted in December 2024 and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on January 3, 2025. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The potential penalty for a conviction of first-degree murder includes life imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000, and a $100 payment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges against Rondeau stem from an incident in October 2024 when he allegedly set fire to his brother's residence near Manderson. At the time of the fire, the home was occupied by Rondeau's brother and his brother's friend; both perished in the blaze. Although Rondeau’s brother sustained burn injuries, he managed to escape. The house was completely destroyed.
Rondeau is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
The case falls under federal jurisdiction due to the Major Crimes Act which requires that certain violent crimes occurring in Indian country be prosecuted federally rather than at the state level.
The investigation is being carried out by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox is handling the prosecution.
Rondeau remains in custody with the U.S. Marshals Service as he awaits trial, for which no date has been scheduled yet.