Burdick Nelson Seminole Sr., a 59-year-old resident of Riverton, Wyoming, has been sentenced to two life terms in prison for first-degree murder and causing death with a firearm during a violent crime. The sentences will run concurrently. Additionally, he received an extra 10 years for discharging a firearm during the crime. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl handed down the sentence on February 27 in Casper. Seminole was also ordered to pay $4,521.09 in restitution and a $300 special assessment.
Seminole's conviction followed a four-day trial that concluded on November 15, 2024. According to court documents and trial evidence, on August 8, 2023, Seminole drove to the victim’s home without permission and confronted him. After an argument ensued, Seminole retrieved a pistol from his vehicle and reentered the residence. He then pistol-whipped the victim and shot him three times while the victim was seated in his wheelchair. Another resident responded by shooting Seminole in the back of the neck as he fled. Seminole later drove himself to the hospital where he was treated for a minor flesh wound. Emergency medical services pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs Wind River Police Department and the FBI conducted the investigation into this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore led the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department of Justice launched a strategy to strengthen PSN on May 26, 2021, focusing on fostering community trust, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
For more details about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit Justice.gov/PSN.