A jury in Rapid City, South Dakota has found McKenzie Big Crow, a 20-year-old from Porcupine, guilty of involuntary manslaughter, violating the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, and possession of an unregistered firearm. The verdict was announced on January 23, 2025, after a three-day trial in federal district court.
The convictions related to the shooting deaths carry potential penalties of up to eight years in prison for each count and fines of $250,000. Additionally, there is a possibility of three years' supervised release and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The firearm charge carries a maximum sentence of ten years' imprisonment with similar fines and assessments.
Big Crow was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2024 on charges including second-degree murder and discharge of a firearm during the commission of a crime. The incident occurred on August 20, 2023, near Porcupine when Big Crow possessed an illegally modified Savage Arms Model 62 rifle. According to Big Crow's account, the gun accidentally discharged from his backpack upon contact with a door. The shot fatally wounded Ashton Provost and her unborn child.
Investigations were conducted by the FBI, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Heather Knox led the prosecution.
Sentencing for Big Crow is scheduled for April 25, 2025. He remains in custody under the U.S. Marshals Service following an ordered presentence investigation.