A jury has convicted Michelle Lee Marr, 49, from Winnebago, Nebraska, of second-degree murder and tampering with documents or evidence. The verdict was reached on February 7, 2025, after a nearly five-day trial in Omaha, Nebraska. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher presided over the proceedings. Marr faces a potential life sentence for the murder charge and up to 20 years for tampering with evidence.
The case dates back to March 12, 2022, when Marr contacted Winnebago EMS about an unresponsive victim at her residence. The victim was initially taken to Twelve Clans Unity Hospital and later transferred by helicopter to Mercy One Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa due to severe injuries. Medical staff identified brain trauma and swelling as well as significant bruising concealed under makeup on the victim's face and body. The victim died from his injuries on March 13, 2022. An autopsy confirmed that blunt force trauma caused the death and ruled it a homicide.
During the investigation, evidence contradicted Marr's claim that she had been unconscious from March 11 until finding the victim on March 12. Witnesses also testified during the trial about previous incidents of physical assault by Marr against the victim.
Marr is scheduled for sentencing on June 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM before Judge Buescher in Omaha.
The federal prosecution of this case was necessary because it involved a felony committed on the Winnebago Indian Reservation in Nebraska. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation.